UNION CITY — Two suspects have been arrested on suspicion of murder following a brush fire along the border of Union City and Fremont. The victim’s body was located after firefighters extinguished this deliberately set fire.
The Alameda County Fire Department responded to the blaze near Isherwood Way and Quarry Lakes Drive in Fremont. The victim 67-year-old David Madrid was found dead by firefighters March 23 at a homeless encampment within Union City’s jurisdiction.
Detectives investigating the man’s death determined it was a homicide case. Two suspects were identified, and they were both arrested by Union City PD.
Jeramie W. Cosper, 29 of Fremont, was apprehended March 30 at 3:22 p.m. Cosper was taken into custody near Decoto and Perry roads in Fremont. He remains behind bars at Santa Rita Jail ineligible for release on bond.
Cosper is suspected of starting the brush fire. Presently, he faces multiple charges, including murder and arson causing great bodily injury. Incidentally, he has several prior drug-related arrests on his record.
The second suspect, Andrew T. Delacruz, 24 of Union City, was arrested March 31. Delacruz was taken into custody a 2:33 p.m., near Linda Drive and Niles Boulevard in Fremont. Delacruz is being housed at Santa Rita Jail.
Delacruz faces multiple charges including murder. He is a previously convicted felon. In fact, he was on probation for unlawful sexual intercourse, stemming from a rape case involving an unconscious victim. He has been arrested 17 times since 2016.
The homicide case remains active. Anyone with information can call Union City police detective Steven Fong at 510-675-5259.
