The death of an 11-year-old girl following a house fire is being investigated as a homicide, according to York Regional Police.
Police were called to the home on Skywood Drive and Rollinghill Road just before 3 a.m. on Sept. 1.
Four victims were found inside the home and one victim was found outside. They were all taken to hospital in critical condition, police said.
The young girl died in hospital on Sept. 2, according to police. The other four victims are still in hospital in critical condition.
Police said the fire is believed to be arson but have not released a suspect description and no arrests have been made. The incident is now being investigated as a homicide.
Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services extended sincere condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones affected by the fire.
It thanked York Region Paramedics, York Regional Police, and the Office of the Fire Marshal for support and assistance during this “incredibly difficult time.”
“We understand how devastating an incident like this can be for our entire community. Our thoughts are with all those impacted, and we stand together in grief and solidarity.”
Police said the investigation is ongoing and have asked anyone who was in the area at the time to check security cameras or dashcam footage.
Increase in Crime
York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween said the region has been dealing with an increasing number of violent crimes that is unusual for the area.He told reporters at a Sept. 3 news conference that the last few weeks had been “particularly violent,” adding that it was “concerning” and “disappointing.”
Crimes police are investigating in the area include a home invasion in Vaughan where a 46-year-old man was shot by three unknown assailants.
York Regional Police have also arrested two adults and two teens after a woman was abducted in Markham and a man was shot during a related home invasion at the woman’s home.
Police said the woman was driving when another vehicle deliberately hit her vehicle. When she got out to check the damage to her vehicle, another vehicle drove up next to her and forced her inside, restraining her. Five suspects then went to the woman’s home where a 54-year-old man was shot, police said.
Officers arrived at the home while the incident was still unfolding, police said during the news conference. A fifth suspect managed to run away and has not been located, according to police.
The woman was found a short time later in Toronto; she had minor injuries.
