First-degree murder charge laid after blaze kills 51-year-old in Nepean

Ottawa police laid multiple charges against a man after a fire near Algonquin College in October killed a 51-year-old woman.

Officials charged Ahmed Hozayen, 30, of Ottawa with:

• First degree murder
• Arson disregard for human life
• Arson causing bodily harm
• Arson causing property damage
• Possession of incendiary material for arson

He is set to appear in court on Jan. 17.

Ottawa police opened the case as arson days after the fire left two people with “serious burns.” A month later, Ottokie Kelly, succumbed from her injuries in hospital.

It happened Oct. 8 in the 1-100 block of Rossland Avenue in Nepean. A neighbour across the street reported flames coming through the window of the bungalow just after 3:30 a.m.

Two people had evacuated the home when crews arrived on scene and both had to be treated for burn injuries and smoke inhalation.

Firefighters discovered that smoke and flames had engulfed the first floor and moved into the roof. It was declared under control over an hour later.