Two individuals are facing charges of murder and arson linked to a house fire in Richmond Hill that resulted in the deaths of an 11-year-old girl and a 24-year-old woman, according to police. Camille Netricia Hall, 42, and Smart George Idemudia Junior Obanor, 30, have been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and three counts of attempted murder, as announced by York Regional Police on Thursday. The accused, both residents of Toronto, are also facing charges for arson that disregards human life and arson causing property damage. Ryan Hogan, deputy chief of YRP, described the fire as “heinous” and mentioned that police will pursue all leads available. “This crime sent shockwaves through our community, leaving residents feeling unsafe and many grieving,” Hogan said at a news conference on Thursday. The fire occurred in early September at 10 Skywood Dr., just before 3 a.m. The suspects left the scene prior to the arrival of police officers, according to authorities. Five individuals were inside the home at the time and all were rushed to the hospital in critical condition by EMS personnel, according to police. The following day, an 11-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries while Helya Bahari-Kashani, aged 24 years old, also passed away on Sept. 3. In response to the incident YRP stated they were treating the fire as arson and classifying the fatalities as homicides.
No connection between victims and accused, police say
Authorities indicated that all victims resided at the property and are members of one family. Police reported on Thursday that those who survived have since been discharged from medical care and are on their way to recovery. Jim Kilby, superintendent of investigations for YRP, expressed that this inquiry is “far from over,” during Thursday’s press briefing.
Hogan urged anyone with information about either suspect or details surrounding the fire to reach out to law enforcement for assistance. (Grant Linton/CBC)
Up until now, authorities haven’t discovered any ties between the suspects and their victims as per Hogan’s statement.
“We are appealing to the public for any information that they may have with that regard to provide further context to the relationship between these two accused themselves or with the victims of this incident,” said Hogan.
Cops stated no other suspects have been identified thus far; however, they continue their investigation into this case.
“Certainly we are live to the fact that there could be other people that are involved,” said Hogan. “But at this point, the evidence has led us to these two persons.”
Diving deeper into their investigation showed neighbors and coworkers indicating how close-knit these victims were within their community; Hogan acknowledged how deeply it affects everyone around them.
“This is going to be a very long road ahead,” said Hogan. “Not only for those who suffered because of this but for everyone in our community.” Source link
