Man charged with murder, arson in North End blaze

A 22-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder and arson in connection with a North End fire Thursday.

Ismail Abdihakim Ali was arrested at the scene of a blaze at a home at 344 St. Johns Ave. just before 10:30 p.m., a Winnipeg Police Service news release said Monday.

Mark Bosadas Marmeto, 35, died from his injuries Saturday.

“It’s devastating to hear somebody has passed,” said Nestor de Quiroz, whose uncle owns the home.

He said because his uncle is older and visually impaired, he had a close friend watching the house. His uncle did not know any of the tenants.

“As to what transpired, our family is not aware of anything,” he said. “We’re just shocked to hear that news.”

A 31-year-old woman and 53-year-old man also suffered “life-altering burns,” police said. They were taken to hospital in unstable condition. The woman has since been released while the man remains in hospital.

Michael Block, who lives across the street, said he saw between five and 10 people fleeing from the house during the blaze, which he said moved quickly through the North End home, which city records show was constructed in 1905.

His wife called 911 about the blaze, and the 49-year-old was likely one of the last people who spoke to Marmeto while he was alive, as he witnessed the man standing outside, stunned, after he fled the fire.

“Any death is a tragedy,” said Block. “Especially if it’s on your block or in your neighbourhood; it’s a tragedy for the neighbourhood and everyone who lives together on that block,” he said.

Offering his condolences to Marmeto’s family, he said he was pleased the man believed to be responsible is in custody.

“That house was full of people,” Block said.

“I can’t imagine how many people he was trying to hurt, or planned, to hurt.”

He hopes the police investigation answers remaining questions about the fire.

“I absolutely hope the police get to the bottom of it and provide some closure to the family — and all of the other people — who were in that house,” Block said.

De Quiroz said his uncle was in the process of getting the house ready for sale when it was damaged by the fire.

A spokesperson for the Winnipeg Police Service said Monday no further details would be provided as the incident remains under investigation.

De Quiroz said his uncle was not aware of drug use or other problematic behaviour at the house. His aunt has been in communication with the person who was supposed to be monitoring the house at the time of the fire.

“They’re worried about what happened,” he said. “They were shocked, like everyone else in the family.”

His uncle is working through the insurance process with the home, which was boarded up last week, de Quiroz said.

Police said Monday that Ali — who remains in custody — also faces charges of aggravated assault, arson causing bodily harm, arson causing damage to property, possession of incendiary material and break and enter to commit arson.

None of the allegations have been tested in court.

morgan.modjeski@freepress.mb.ca