A man convicted of setting multiple fires in a central Edmonton neighbourhood has been handed a significant prison sentence. Darcy Willier received a 12-year prison term for his role in a string of arsons that targeted the Alberta Avenue area.
A Dangerous Series of Fires
The court heard details of the deliberate fires set by Willier, which put residents, property, and first responders at serious risk. The incidents, which occurred in the Alberta Avenue community, were investigated as a connected series. Evidence presented during the proceedings, including video footage obtained by CTV News Edmonton, was instrumental in the conviction.
The sentencing decision was delivered by a judge on December 19, 2025. In determining the lengthy sentence, the court emphasized the gravity of arson as a crime that endangers public safety and can have catastrophic consequences.
Community Impact and Judicial Reasoning
Neighbourhoods like Alberta Avenue are densely populated, making acts of arson particularly reckless. The judge noted that such crimes threaten not just buildings, but human lives, creating fear and insecurity within the community. The sentence aims to reflect the severity of the offence and serve as a deterrent.
While the specific number of fires and total damage estimates were part of the court record, the core fact remains that Willier's actions represented a sustained threat. The successful prosecution relied on thorough police work and community cooperation.
Closing a Chapter on Targeted Crime
The 12-year sentence concludes a major case for Edmonton police and prosecutors. It sends a clear message about the judicial system's approach to violent property crimes that jeopardize community well-being. Residents of Alberta Avenue can now see a resolution to a frightening period of targeted vandalism and danger.
Authorities hope this outcome provides a measure of closure for the affected community and reinforces the serious penalties awaiting those who choose to engage in such destructive behaviour. The case underscores the ongoing efforts to address crime that directly impacts the safety and security of Edmonton's neighbourhoods.
