York Regional Police will deliver an update on Thursday in the ongoing investigation into a suspected arson that claimed two lives in Richmond Hill earlier this fall.
Emergency crews were called to a home near Skywood Drive and Rolling Hill Road at approximately 3:15 a.m. on the morning of Sept. 1 after reports of a residential blaze. Five people were rushed to the hospital, including four adults and one child.
Days later, police confirmed the fire was being treated as a suspected arson. An 11-year-old girl died of her injuries on Sept. 2, followed by 24-year-old Helya Bahari-Kashani, who succumbed to her injuries on Sept. 3. Three other victims, identified by neighbours as the two homeowners and their adult daughter, remained in critical condition.
The Ontario Fire Marshal’s office joined the investigation, and York Regional Police quickly classified the case as a homicide, citing evidence that the fire had been deliberately set.
To date, police have not released suspect information, and the motive behind the alleged arson remains unclear.
Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan and Superintendent Jim Killby will address the media at York Regional Police Headquarters in Aurora. The briefing is scheduled for 2 p.m. this afternoon.