Two people charged in Richmond Hill, Ont., arson that killed child and young woman

Police say two people have been charged with murder after an arson at a home north of Toronto left two people dead, including an 11-year-old girl.

The deadly fire at a Richmond Hill, Ont., home in September also seriously injured three other residents.

York Regional Police say a 30-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman, both from Toronto, have now been arrested in the case.

They have been charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder and arson.

Police have said that they pulled five people from the burning home in the area of Skywood Drive and Rollinghill Road in the early morning hours of Sept. 1.

The 11-year-old girl died from her injuries on Sept. 2, and the following day 24-year-old Helya Bahari-Kashani was also pronounced dead.

Police say the other victims have since been released from hospital.

Investigators have released images of the two accused and are urging anyone who recognizes them or has information about the case to contact police.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 6, 2025.

The Canadian Press