‘Heinous crime:’ Two people arrested in Richmond Hill arson that killed 11-year-old girl and her aunt

Two Toronto residents have been arrested in connection with a house fire in Richmond Hill in September that killed two people, including an 11-year-old girl.

Two people have been arrested in connection with a Richmond Hill house fire in September that killed an 11-year-old girl and her 24-year-old aunt, and injured three others.

On Thursday, York Regional Police provided an update on the Sept. 1 fire that tore through a family home on Skywood Drive near Rollinghill Road and is being investigated as arson.

Investigators arrested 42-year-old Camille Netricia Hall and 30-year-old Smart George Idemudia Junior Obanor, both from Toronto, on Wednesday morning.

They have each been charged with arson - disregard of human life, arson - causing property damage, two counts of murder, and three counts of attempted murder.

“This investigation is far from over,” Supt. Jim Kilby said. “York Regional Police has notified the family of the victims about the arrests, and we will continue to support them as they navigate this difficult time.”

Police said first responders found four unconscious people inside the house and a fifth person outside. All five, including an 11-year-old girl, were transported to the hospital.

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The girl and her aunt, 24-year-old Helya Bahari-Kashani, died in the hospital in the days that followed.

Kilby said the three other victims, a 70-year-old, a 59-year-old, and a 42-year-old, had been released and are recovering.

Police previously confirmed that arson was suspected after a red gas canister was found at the scene.

When asked on Thursday whether the two suspects are related to the victims, police said they do not have information to suggest that.

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In addition, Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan, who was also at the news conference, said at this point, evidence does not suggest that the suspects were hired to allegedly set the house on fire.

“It is an active and ongoing investigation, and the homicide unit is committed to following any leads and have an open mind to all leads that could possibly link further the motive behind these two individuals being connected to this homicide,” Hogan said.

As for how the suspects know one another, the deputy chief would only say the relationship between the two remains part of the investigation.

Hogan described the incident as a “heinous crime” that sent shockwaves throughout the community and left many residents feeling unsafe.

“But please know, since the beginning of this investigation, York Regional Police engaged all available resources and have remained committed to ensuring justice is served to those who are responsible,” Hogan said.