Months after a devastating fire razed an apartment building in Edmonton’s Old Strathcona area, a grim discovery has come to light. A man’s body was recently found amidst the rubble, leading to more charges against a suspect already accused of arson. The tragic incident unfolded on January 26, 2024, when a fire erupted in the four-storey building at 10745 – 79 Ave. in the Queen Alexandra neighbourhood. Officials were attempting to enforce a court order against a tenant who had barricaded himself in his suite when the blaze erupted. Neighbours reported that the tenant was being evicted, and court records indicate he had violated an order to vacate the apartment. Negotiations between authorities and the individual continued throughout the evening until the fire broke out just before 1 a.m. on January 26. The fire spread rapidly, engulfing the building and forcing at least seven people to be taken to hospital, while others were rescued from balconies. Fortunately, all those injured in the fire have since recovered from their physical injuries. However, the discovery of a body in the wreckage on April 22 cast a dark shadow over the incident. Ricardo Olivares, 70, had been reported missing by his family after the fire, and his remains were identified through a further search of the wreckage conducted by the Edmonton Police Service missing persons unit, Edmonton Fire Rescue Service, and the EPS canine unit. An autopsy determined that Olivares died as a result of smoke inhalation, and the manner of death has been ruled a homicide. As a result, the suspect, 44-year-old Jason Murray Zabos, who had been previously charged with mischief/obstruction of justice, arson with disregard for human life, obstructing a peace officer, and disobeying a court order requiring him to vacate the apartment, is now facing additional charges of manslaughter and a second count of arson disregard for human life. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, with the director of law enforcement reviewing the case and determining that it falls outside the scope of an ASIRT review.
Brent Olynyk, owner of Trauma Scene Bio Services, a company specializing in the cleanup and decontamination of biohazardous situations, sheds light on the complexities of fire scenes and the challenges faced by firefighters and investigators. He emphasizes that firefighters prioritize structural safety and may not be able to search every area of a building that has been damaged by fire. Olynyk also highlights the importance of thorough inspections and the cooperation of multiple agencies, including fire investigators, police, and insurance companies, to ensure all individuals are accounted for in such incidents.
Edmonton Fire Rescue Services acknowledges the tragic loss and expresses condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. The organization emphasizes its commitment to safety and its efforts to minimize loss at every call. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of arson and the importance of fire prevention measures to protect lives and property.
