The San Jose community is grieving the tragic and untimely loss of Christopher Tran, a 51-year-old business owner who died in a devastating arson fire that engulfed his company’s building early Sunday morning.
The fire occurred in the Roosevelt Park neighborhood, destroying the two-story structure that housed his marketing firm, BrandingOut. Tran’s body was discovered on Monday amid the ruins, after firefighters were initially unable to enter the site due to the building’s risk of collapse.
His death, which was first reported as a fire without injuries, has since been ruled a homicide. Authorities have arrested 35-year-old Yessenia Estrada, a San Jose resident with no fixed address, in connection with the blaze. She faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and felony arson.
Family and friends are reeling from the loss. Tran’s mother, Vicky Huynh, spoke tearfully outside the courthouse on Wednesday, where Estrada’s arraignment was postponed due to her being on psychiatric hold.
“I hurt, but I don’t know how to explain how hurting I am right now,” Huynh said. “Fifty-one years with him. Can I borrow your tears? Because no more tear. I’m numb.”
She recalled speaking to her son almost daily and said their last conversation was on Saturday evening, when he told her he was working late, preparing for an upcoming vacation.
Friends described Tran as a dedicated entrepreneur who frequently worked late nights and weekends at BrandingOut, a firm offering both print and digital marketing services.
When Tran could not be reached following the fire, his loved ones grew concerned and contacted authorities. Their persistence ultimately led to the tragic discovery of his body.
San Jose Police spokesperson Officer Tanya Hernandez credited the family’s concerns for prompting a second, more thorough search of the rubble. “Family members of a victim responded to the scene, so that prompted a search for any potential victims inside of the structure,” she said.
BrandingOut posted a message on its Instagram account on Tuesday, stating the business will be closed “until further notice.” The office had been more than just a workplace for Tran—it was a manifestation of his entrepreneurial spirit and years of hard work.
In his personal life, Tran was known as an avid outdoorsman and runner. He brought the same passion and drive to his personal pursuits as he did to his business. Friends remember him as a generous, optimistic, and loyal person who had a gift for making others feel valued and seen.
The arrest of Estrada, who police confirmed is unhoused, has raised difficult questions about mental health, public safety, and homelessness in the Bay Area. Estrada is currently under psychiatric evaluation, with her arraignment rescheduled for Friday.
Christopher Tran’s death marks San Jose’s 14th homicide of 2025. His passing is not only a heartbreaking personal loss to his family and friends but also a tragic blow to the local business community. As the investigation continues, those who loved him are left mourning a man remembered for his kindness, perseverance, and boundless energy.
About the Author
