Two youths are facing manslaughter and arson charges after a man died in a house fire in central Alberta last winter.
RCMP responded to the fire in Wetaskiwin, south of Edmonton, just after 5 a.m. on Dec. 15, 2024.
The Wetaskiwin and Millet fire departments also arrived and put out the blaze at the home near 53 Avenue and 45 Street.
After the flames were extinguished, the body of 67-year-old Donald Robert was found inside the home.
Officers deemed the circumstances surrounding his death as suspicious and the Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit took over the case.
Police said a witness reported seeing someone running away from the home with their clothing on fire.
RCMP said on Wednesday, a girl and a boy were arrested and charged with both manslaughter and arson – disregard for human life.
The pair can’t be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act because they are underage.