On the eve of the first anniversary of a fire that claimed the lives of three young people in a central Hamilton home, Waikato Police say an independent report into the cause of the fire highlight’s the complexities of the case.
Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Patterson of the Hamilton CIB said Police had engaged the services of an internationally recognised independent fire investigator to review the fire investigation.
“On Saturday 15 November 2014 a fire at 192 Collingwood St claimed the lives of 23-year-old Hamilton woman Toni Maree JOHNSTON and 19 and 17-year-old Hamilton men Jake Lindsey HAYES and Connor James SWETMAN.
“The original joint investigation by Police and the Fire Service was focused on identifying the cause of the blaze and whether a person or persons started it. At this point there is nothing to suggest this is the case however, as in any such case, should new information come to hand at a later date it will be considered.
Mr Patterson said that following the independent review, the cause of the fire remains undetermined and the matter will be placed in the hands of the Coroner to make a finding.
“Throughout the various aspects of the case we have been working closely with the trio’s families who are aware of the findings of the independent review.
“As this significant anniversary approaches our thoughts are with them as they seek to know the circumstances behind how their loved ones lost their lives.”
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