Fire that killed Dundas, Ont., couple was 'deliberately set,' now a homicide, police say | CBC News
"The deaths of two Dundas retirees was a homicide, police say, and the pair were "innocent sleeping victims who would have experienced sheer terror."
Det. Sgt. Steve Bereziuk says the fire that killed Alan and Carla Rutherford was deliberately set in their bedroom as they slept. Now police are looking for suspects, and reaching out to anyone who knew the couple.
"This was an extremely intense fire which began in the bedroom," said Bereziuk at Hamilton Police Service headquarters Friday.
"These were innocent sleeping victims who would have experienced sheer terror. They suffered horrific injuries that led to their death."
Carla and Alan Rutherford both died after a fire at their Dundas home Monday. (Hamilton Police Service)
Police and firefighters were called to the Rutherford home at 8 Greening Ct. around 3:45 a.m. on July 9. They found "heavy flames and smoke going through the roof," Hamilton fire chief Dave Cunliffe said this week.
Alan ultimately escaped after the fire was set, and knocked on a neighbour's door. He was found on the front lawn when firefighters arrived, Cunliffe said. Carla was still trapped in the home.
Firefighters rescued Carla, 64, and she died on the way to the hospital. Alan, 63, was transported to hospital in critical condition. He died later that afternoon."
"The deaths of two Dundas retirees was a homicide, police say, and the pair were "innocent sleeping victims who would have experienced sheer terror."
Det. Sgt. Steve Bereziuk says the fire that killed Alan and Carla Rutherford was deliberately set in their bedroom as they slept. Now police are looking for suspects, and reaching out to anyone who knew the couple.
"This was an extremely intense fire which began in the bedroom," said Bereziuk at Hamilton Police Service headquarters Friday.
"These were innocent sleeping victims who would have experienced sheer terror. They suffered horrific injuries that led to their death."
Carla and Alan Rutherford both died after a fire at their Dundas home Monday. (Hamilton Police Service)
Police and firefighters were called to the Rutherford home at 8 Greening Ct. around 3:45 a.m. on July 9. They found "heavy flames and smoke going through the roof," Hamilton fire chief Dave Cunliffe said this week.
Alan ultimately escaped after the fire was set, and knocked on a neighbour's door. He was found on the front lawn when firefighters arrived, Cunliffe said. Carla was still trapped in the home.
Firefighters rescued Carla, 64, and she died on the way to the hospital. Alan, 63, was transported to hospital in critical condition. He died later that afternoon."