Richmond Hill house fire investigated as homicide after deaths of child, woman
York Regional Police say a Richmond Hill house fire that has now claimed two lives, including that of an 11-year-old child, is being investigated as a homicide.
York Regional Police say a Richmond Hill house fire that has now claimed two lives, including that of an 11-year-old child, is being investigated as a homicide.
According to a Wednesday media release from York Regional Police, officers and emergency crews were called shortly before 3 a.m. on September 1 to a residence near Skywood Drive and Rollinghill Road, where a blaze left five people critically injured — including an 11-year-old girl who died of her injuries the following day.
Police said that, upon arrival, four victims were found inside the home and a fifth outside. All were taken to the hospital in life-threatening condition.
In a Thursday afternoon follow-up media release, police confirmed a second victim, 24-year-old Helya Bahari-Kashani of Richmond Hill, also succumbed to her injuries.
Three other people remain in the hospital in critical condition.
Investigators said evidence collected so far indicates the fire was deliberately set and is being treated as arson and a homicide.
As such, the force’s homicide unit has taken over the case and is appealing for witnesses, including anyone who was in the neighbourhood at the time of the fire, to review their security or dash camera footage for potential evidence.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide Unit at 1-866-876-5423 ext. 7865, to email homicide@yrp.ca, or to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Individuals can also leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.