Probe still ongoing into deadly King St arson

Almost two months after an early morning fire claimed the lives of Hilrod Thomas and his two daughters, police say the investigation into the arson is still continuing.

Theresa and Clarissa Rozario, 12 and 14 years, respectively, perished in the blaze, while their father, Hilrod Thomas, who suffered burns about his body, succumbed a month later, at the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Burn Care Unit.

Theresa Rozario
Theresa Rozario
Clarissa Rozario
Clarissa Rozario
Hilrod Thomas
Hilrod Thomas

Thomas had jumped from the top flat of the burning three-storey building after he was unable to save his trapped children.

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle had told Stabroek News that based on the investigation by the Guyana Fire Service, it was concluded that the fire had been an arson attack. When contacted on Monday, ‘A’ Division Commander Assistant Commander Clifton Hicken told this newspaper that the attack is still under investigation.

There had been unconfirmed reports that Molotov cocktails were thrown at the building by an unknown person or persons.

A previous attempt was made to burn the building in 2009 but the quick response of the Guyana Fire Service saved the building.