The owner of the Fort Erie rental home where two women were murdered last week has been charged for not following COVID-19 rules.

In a news release, the Town of Fort Erie says bylaw enforcement officers laid charges under Part III of the Provincial Offences Act.

They say the owner was providing a short-term rental accommodation to individuals other than those in need of housing.

“Due to the severity of the situation, we wanted to act quickly while respecting the boundaries of an open police investigation for a very serious crime,”said Paul Chudoba, law enforcement coordinator.

“We proceeded with our investigation and gathered all necessary evidence to substantiate the charge once we knew we wouldn’t interfere with the NRPS investigation.”

Niagara police are investigating the death of two women at the waterfront home last week.

Juliana Pannunzio, 20, of Windsor and Christina Crooks, 18, of Toronto have been identified as the victims.

Police say a group of people, including the two victims, were staying at the rental property on the Niagara River Parkway.