Redwood City liquor store fire leaves 2 dead

The building was engulfed in flames and once the crew controlled the blaze, they found two individuals who showed “no sign of life,” according to a press release. 

The cause of death and names of the deceased have yet to be confirmed. 

However, a close-knit community of employees and patrons of the Roosevelt Shopping Center quickly suspected who was inside at the time of the fire. 

One of the workers believed to have died inside was Benny, a longtime manager of the shop who was a beloved member of the community. 

Benny was known to sleep inside the shop, or in his white van, which remains in the plaza’s parking lot. Cynthia Maldonado, who works at Big Brothers Burgers two doors down, said she believes Benny was inside.

“I’m pretty sure it’s him, his van is still here,” Maldonado said. “We tried to contact him and he didn’t answer anyone.”

The liquor store was often referred to as “Benny’s place” by many patrons. 

Jesse Martin, 21, lives near Avenue Liquors and grew up close to the store’s former owner, Bali, and Benny. Benny worked for Bali and “basically took over” the liquor store when it was passed to the current owners. 

Martin said he just saw Benny on Halloween. A text message from Bali Monday morning informed Martin that Benny was suspected to be the victim inside.

“I can’t believe this,” Martin said. “‘I’ll see you when I see you.’ That’s what he always said.”

Benny was a favorite among patrons, ranging from Woodside High School students coming in for candy to the regulars who’ve grown accustomed to Benny’s humor. Benny was also known to sing inside the liquor store.

Of the dozens of people who came by the scene and lingered for hours, nearly all seemed to know Benny well and heard of his plans to visit his family in the Philippines next week. 

“He was so excited,” Martin said.

A large group of Woodside High School football players visited the plaza and shared stories and photos they’ve taken with Benny. The news of Benny’s potential passing circulated among the high school quickly, one student said. 

Business owners of Big Brothers Burgers, Oh Baby Sushi, Daisy Nguyen Permanent Makeup and other nearby stores stuck around near the plaza until the evening. 

“Benny was the glue of this plaza,” Martin said. “That’s why everyone’s here, for Benny.”

Another store worker, known as Mo, was also believed by plaza employees to live in the liquor store. He is also suspected to have died in the fire. 

The owner of Avenue Liquors “has been contacted and is cooperating with investigators,” according to police. 

As of Monday evening, crews from the Redwood City Fire Department, Redwood City Police Department, the San Mateo County Coroner’s Office and the Santa Clara County Fire Department were on scene.

No information has been given as to why other jurisdictions were on scene. 

Forensics and investigations crews entered the liquor store at approximately 3:15 p.m. Monday. Bodies appeared to be placed for transportation to the Coroner’s Office at approximately 5:45 p.m. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Redwood City Fire Department by calling (650) 780-7100 as the investigation is ongoing.