By Khalida Sarwari
A 19-year-old man charged with felony arson for allegedly starting a fire at his family’s San Jose home on Feb. 25 appeared briefly in Santa Clara County Superior Court today.
Eduardo Gonzalez is charged with felony arson, first-degree burglary and grand theft, district attorney’s office spokeswoman Amy Cornell said. Gonzalez faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted, Cornell said.
Gonzalez did not enter a plea today. His attorney Jennifer Hultgren said that while Gonzalez is “understands certain things,” he is not mentally competent continue in court proceedings until he undergoes a mental health evaluation.
Gonzalez was arrested Feb. 26 in connection with the fire, which caused an estimated $200,000 in damage to the home, located at 3121 Springfield Way, and $40,000 in damage to its contents, San Jose fire Capt. Steve Alvarado said.
Police and fire officials are working together in the ongoing investigation.
Gonzalez remains in custody on $250,000 bail and is scheduled to return to court for a mental health hearing on March 18.