Toronto man charged with arson in Scarborough fire that killed baby
Posted January 22, 2025 6:18 pm.
Last Updated January 23, 2025 8:20 am.
Toronto police have charged a man in connection to a fire at a Scarborough home that claimed the life of an eight-month-old baby girl and sent to a four-year-old boy to hospital.
On Wednesday investigators said Julian De Souza, 39, has been charged with arson – disregard for human life.
Crews responded to calls for a fire that started in the basement of a home in the Finch Avenue East and Brimley Road area on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at around 11:14 a.m.
The baby girl was rushed to hospital where she was pronounced dead, while the four-year-old boy was treated for non life-threatening injuries.
The accused was also treated for self-inflicted injuries.
Police say the accused and victims were all members of the same family, but did not confirm the exact nature of the relationships.
A neighbour who did not want to be identified told CityNews she has known the occupants of the home for almost 10 years.
She said a group of people had recently been living there with an elderly couple as they waited for their house to close so they could move into it.
