Murder, arson charges laid in connection with October fire that killed 51-year-old woman

The scene after a house fire on Rossland Avenue on Oct. 8, 2024. (Peter Szperling/CTV News Ottawa)

Ottawa police have announced a murder charge in connection with a fatal fire last fall.

Firefighters responded to a 9-1-1 call just after 3:30 a.m. on Oct. 8, 2024, reporting a fire coming from the window of a one-storey bungalow on Rossland Avenue.

A man and a woman were transported to hospital with serious injuries as a result of the blaze. The woman, Ottokie Kelly, 51, died a few weeks later in hospital. Police considered her death a homicide, the city’s 24th of the year.

On Friday, police announced a 30-year-old man had been arrested and charged in connection with Kelly’s death.

Ahmed Hozayen is charged with first-degree murder and several arson-related offences.

He was scheduled to appear in court Friday.