A dead body has been found inside a home that went up in flames and arson is suspected, according to Durham police.
A 23-year old suspect has been arrested on manslaughter charges. The man was already under conditions not to possess any incendiary devices.
On Sunday, February 22, at around 10:35 pm, members of East Division responded to an assist fire call at a residence in the area of Nash Road and Varcoe Road. Upon arrival, officers and Clarington Emergency and Fire Services found the residence fully engulfed in flames.
A deceased male, identified as 78‑year‑old Gerald (Gerry) Schad, was located inside the home. A post‑mortem examination determined that Schad died as a result of the fire, police said.
Another Arson Attempt
On Wednesday, April 1, the accused was located using an improvised electronic ignition device to start a residential fire in the area of Townline Road North and Nash Road in Courtice, it added.
The residence was occupied at the time but no occupants suffered any physical injuries.
Further investigation by the East Division Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB) and Homicide Unit linked the accused to the Nash Road and Varcoe Road fire, which the accused is believed to have started.
The 23-year old from Oshawa was held for a bail hearing. Name and further details available at www.drps.ca.
Anyone with cell phone, dash cam, surveillance footage or information about this incident is asked to contact the Det. Stewart of the Homicide Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5416.
Editor’s Note: Durham Post does not name the accused parties as:
1. Of this time, they are suspect[s] and not convicted by a court, and
2. Sometimes charges are amended or dropped.
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