Two people have been arrested and charged in connection to a Richmond Hill fire that killed two people, including an 11-year-old child.
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, also suffered critical injuries. They have since been released from hospital.
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.
Superintendent Jim Killby announced Thursday that two people were arrested on Nov. 5 and are facing several charges.
Camille Hall, a 42-year-old woman, and Smart Obanor, a 30-year-old man, are facing several charges including two counts of first degree murder, three counts of attempted murder, and one count each of arson with disregard for human life.
York police say they are currently unaware of any relationship between the victims and the suspects. The relationship between the suspects is still under investigation.
The investigation is still ongoing.