A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is now expected to face manslaughter charges following the discovery of a body in the burned building late last month.
Edmonton Police Service (EPS) apprehended Jason Zabos on Friday, revealing pending charges of manslaughter in the death of Ricardo Olivares, along with a second charge of arson with disregard for human life.
The grim revelation unfolded after police received a missing person report for Olivares, 70, on April 10. His family, alarmed by the absence of communication since January 5, grew concerned after learning of the apartment building’s blaze.
On April 22, a search of the charred remains of the building was conducted, leading to the discovery of Olivares’ remains. An autopsy on April 24 concluded that Olivares had succumbed to smoke inhalation, with his death ruled a homicide.
“Investigators believed all of the residents were accounted for following the fire,” stated EPS spokesperson Cheryl Voordenhout in an email to CTV News Edmonton on Friday. “Police were not aware Mr. Olivares was unaccounted for until he was reported missing.”
Zabos, 44, was arrested on Friday while attending a court hearing. The incident traces back to January 26 when police, stationed at the apartment at 107 Street and 79 Avenue, were on the scene for nearly eight hours before a fire erupted in the early morning hours. The blaze ensued after a man, subject to a court order, barricaded himself in his suite. Despite being taken into custody shortly after the fire broke out, seven individuals were hospitalized.
Initial charges against Zabos included arson, disregard for human life, mischief, obstructing a peace officer, and breach of a court order.
EPS confirmed that the Director of Law Enforcement was informed both at the time of the fire and upon the discovery of Olivares’ remains. The incident, according to EPS, does not fall within the purview of an Alberta Serious Incident Response Team review.
Reacting to the news, former resident Gabby Keiran expressed anger and sorrow. Keiran revealed that news of Olivares’ demise reached her through a social media page set up by apartment residents for post-fire communication.
“We were notified that he had passed away. Hearing that was really heartbreaking. Because I just can’t believe that it took so long for him to have been found,” she lamented.
Keiran recalled the chaos during the fire evacuation, highlighting disorganization and minimal communication from the landlord post-fire.
“I’ve heard from her once. And that was only because I sent her an email demanding my deposit back,” Keiran said.
Acting Edmonton Fire Rescue Services Chief Tiffany Edgecombe conveyed condolences in a written statement to CTV News Edmonton, emphasizing the tragic nature of the situation and expressing solidarity with the affected family and friends.
“This is a tragic situation and one that we would never want anyone to experience. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the person who passed away. The members of Edmonton Fire Rescue Services are dedicated to ensuring the safety of people, property and the environment and at every call, work incredibly hard to mitigate any loss. I know that our members feel this loss, as well.”