Child responsible for Oshawa house fire that killed 4, police say
Posted December 14, 2021 3:00 pm.
Last Updated December 14, 2021 3:54 pm.
Investigators say a child is responsible for starting a fire at a home in Oshawa nine months ago, leaving four people, including two children, dead.
Police in Durham Region have now wrapped up their investigation into the blaze, which broke out during the early morning hours of March 22 in the row house on Olive Avenue, near Highway 401 and Harmony Road.
The homicide unit has determined the fire was started by a child under 12-years-old.
The two children killed in the fire were brothers, 11-year-old Cristian Duguay-Sterling and 9-year-old Lucas. Two men who were in the home also died, 66-year-old Terrence Pottie, and 57-year-old Paul Leblanc.
Several homes along Olive Avenue had to be evacuated for the fire investigation and approximately seven units on the street sustained damage from the fire. Four people from one of the units also had to be treated for fire-related injuries.
Police have determined “based on the totality of the circumstances and in accordance with legislation”, no charges will be laid.
They also said they are not looking for any more evidence.
The investigation was a joint effort between Durham Regional Police, The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshall and Oshawa Fire Services.
