Two Arrested After Tragic Richmond Hill Fire

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Authorities have charged two people with murder and arson related to a house fire in Richmond Hill that claimed the lives of an 11-year-old girl and a 24-year-old woman, as reported by police.

Camille Netricia Hall, 42, and Smart George Idemudia Junior Obanor, 30, face two counts of first-degree murder and three counts of attempted murder, according to York Regional Police’s announcement on Thursday.

The suspects, both from Toronto, are also facing charges for arson with disregard for human life and arson causing property damage.

Ryan Hogan, deputy chief of YRP, described the fire as “heinous” and stated that police will continue to pursue all leads.

“This crime sent shockwaves through our community, leaving residents feeling unsafe and many grieving,” Hogan mentioned during a press conference on Thursday.

The fire occurred in early September at 10 Skywood Dr. just before 3 a.m. The suspects fled the scene before police arrived, according to officials.

Five individuals were inside at the time and were transported to the hospital in critical condition by EMS, as per police reports.

The next day, an 11-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries while Helya Bahari-Kashani, aged 24, also passed away on Sept. 3.

Following the incident YRP indicated they were treating the fire as arson and the deaths as homicides.

No link between victims and suspects, say authorities

Officials have confirmed that all victims resided in the home and are part of the same family. They also mentioned on Thursday that those who survived have since been released from the hospital and are healing.

Jim Kilby, superintendent of investigations for YRP, stated that their inquiry is “far from over,” at Thursday’s news briefing.

Hogan said YRP is “imploring” anyone with information about the accused or the fire to reach out to police. (Grant Linton/CBC)

As of now, authorities haven’t established any connection between the suspects and victims; Hogan noted.

“We are appealing to the public for any information they may have regarding further context about these two accused or their relationship with the victims involved in this case,” Hogan expressed.

Cops reported no additional suspects have been identified but confirmed that this case remains open.

<p“Certainly we are aware there could be other individuals involved,” said Hogan. “But at this point, evidence has led us to these two individuals.”

During their investigation, police gathered insights from neighbors and colleagues indicating that the victims had strong ties within their community; Hogan acknowledged how it affects everyone around them.</P

“This is going to be a very long road ahead,” remarked Hogan. “Not just for those who suffered losses here but for everyone in the wider community.”

[Source](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/2-charged-richmond-hill-arson-11-year-old-girl-woman-dead-9.6969855)