A 42-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder and six counts of attempted murder following a suspicious fire at a home in Richmond Hill last month.
The blaze broke out inside a residence on George Street in the early hours of Oct. 6.
Upon arrival, emergency crews heard calls for help coming from inside the property and entered the home to find the 42-year-old man and a 75-year-old woman both suffering from serious injuries.
The pair were transported to hospital, however the woman succumbed to her injuries last week.
Police say they have since discovered that the man’s wife attended a hospital in the immediate aftermath of the fire with unknown injuries after fleeing the burning home with her five children.
The 42-year-old man, who will not be named so as to protect the identity of the family, was charged following an investigation by York Regional Police and the Office of the Fire Marshal.
In addition to one count of first-degree murder and six counts of attempted murder, the man is also charged with uttering threats, breach of probation and arson with a disregard for human life.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide Unit at 1 (866) 876-5423, ext. 7865.
