Two youths have been arrested and charged with manslaughter and arson in connection with a fatal house fire in Wetaskiwin last year.
On Dec. 15, 2024, at 5:12 a.m., Wetaskiwin RCMP responded to a report of a residential fire near 53rd Avenue and 45th Street.
Upon arrival, officers found a deceased male inside the home. He was identified as 67-year-old Donald Robert, a resident of Wetaskiwin. His death was deemed suspicious, and the Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit took over the investigation.
Yesterday a male and female youth were arrested in connection with the fire. Both have been charged with:
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Manslaughter
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Arson – disregard for human life
As both youths are underage, they cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Following a judicial interim release hearing, both were remanded into custody and are scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Wetaskiwin today.
** With information from Alberta RCMP
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