Edmonton police have laid second-degree murder charges after an arson that claimed the life of a five-month-old baby boy.
Investigators believe the fire started when outdoor patio furniture was purposely set on fire near the front door of the home in the Ambleside neighbourhood.
Bronson Woycenko, 19, has been charged with second-degree murder, arson: disregard for human life and mischief under $5,000.
Jessica Tammerand, 18, has been charged with arson: disregard for human life and mischief under $5,000.
The pair is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 1. Court records show no previous charges against Woycenko or Tammerand.
Tammerand was released on $5,000 bail. Her boyfriend told Global News that she’s “holding up” and that there is more to the story but didn’t provide further details. He believes she’s innocent.
Cordell Brown, the father of the boy killed in the fire, confirmed to Global News that the pair had previously rented a room in the home. Brown said they were evicted three times from various properties that he owned.
He alleged the pair stole from him, smoked in the home and caused damage.
“I kept giving them chances because I was hoping that if I was nice to them, they would grow up, mature and take responsibility and act like adults,” Brown said.
According to Brown, Woycenko and Tammerand had lived in the home that was involved in the fire for about a month and were evicted in February.
Brown said he last spoke with Woycenko three days before the fire.
Kyle Whitford, who lived in the basement of the house said Woycenko and Tammerand were quiet people.
“Cordell was just a generous person and gave them quite a few chances,” Whitford told Global News. “I can’t remember exactly how long they were there for.”
A call was made to 911 shortly before 4 a.m. Tuesday, regarding a fire on Armitage Crescent S.W.
When firefighters arrived on scene, they entered the home and rescued a mother and child from the second floor while the house was engulfed in flames. The pair was taken to hospital by ambulance in serious condition.
The baby, named Hunter, died in hospital. His 29-year-old mother, Angie Tang, remains in hospital.
On Sunday, Tang’s family issued a statement on Angie’s behalf.
“She is now aware of the arrests that were made and is beginning to consider decisions around Hunter’s final resting place,” the statement reads. “She is very touched by the outpouring of support from everyone, especially through the GoFundMe page for her and Hunter.”
“Losing my son was my whole life,” Brown said on Sunday. “He was my whole life. He was the cutest baby you could possibly imagine.
Eight people lived in the home. Edmonton Fire Rescue Services operations deputy chief Scott Macdonald said the six other people were able to make it out of the house on their own before fire crews arrived.
An autopsy determined Hunter died from smoke inhalation.
