A multi-layered investigation is underway after a shed fire led to the discovery of a body on Thursday evening in Brampton. Peel Regional Police Const. Ty Bell confirmed that police and firefighters responded rapidly to a call from a neighbour reporting a shed fire on Aloma Crescent, north of Steeles Avenue East between Bramalea and Dixon Roads, at approximately 3:45 p.m. Firefighters extinguished the blaze before discovering the body of a deceased person, believed to be an adult male.
Identity Not Yet Confirmed
“No confident identification has been made at this point,” Bell said by phone. “We’ll be holding the scene overnight as the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal is here alongside forensic identification officers to assist the coroner in what will be a multi-layered investigation.” Investigators will require more details from the post-mortem examination to confirm the victim’s identity. When asked if anyone from the residence where the shed was located was missing, Bell noted that police were dealing with a “very distraught family.” He added, “There is obviously speculation that it’s associated to someone in the home, but we can’t confirm that yet,” and stated he was unsure if any residents were home at the time of the blaze.
Investigation Ongoing
Bell said police were canvassing the neighbourhood for video footage and treating the incident as a suspicious death, but “in the hopes that it’s not.” He clarified, “That’s not an indication that any foul play existed, but we want to make sure we leave no stone unturned in the event that it is.” The cause of the blaze remains unclear. An email seeking comment from the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal was not immediately returned. Police have urged anyone with information to contact investigators.
