Baltimore firefighter deaths in vacant home ruled homicides

The funeral procession for the three fallen firefighters in Baltimore on Feb. 2.
Getty Photographs

The deaths of three Baltimore firefighters who perished after being trapped in a burning vacant row residence in January have been dominated homicides, police revealed Wednesday.

The legal nature of the loss of life got here after the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives dominated the hearth was “incendiary,” officers mentioned in a press launch.

The designation applies to fires which can be “deliberately ignited or unfold into an space the place the hearth shouldn't be” or “usually are not essentially intentional, however straight consequence from different legal exercise,” in accordance with the bureau.

Authorities had earlier launched footage of a “particular person of curiosity” in reference to the homicides, and had been now searching the suspect, the discharge mentioned.

Lt. Paul Butrim, Lt. Kelsey Sadler and Firefighter/EMT Kenneth Lacayo had been trapped within the vacant residence when it partially collapsed in the course of the early morning hours of Jan. 24. A fourth first responder was rescued.

Police are at present in search of a suspect within the case.

WBALTV.com

Firefighters on the web site of the inferno which claimed the lives of three and injured one.

Baltimore Hearth

ATF Baltimore Particular Agent Toni Crosby referred to as the ruling an “vital step” within the investigation.

Baltimore Hearth

“Ideas of Lt. Butrim, Lt. Sadler, and Firefighter/EMT Lacayo have been current in our minds each step of this investigation,” mentioned ATF Baltimore Particular Agent Toni Crosby.

“The incendiary classification is a crucial step ahead on this investigation. We are going to proceed to work alongside our companions to make sure an entire and thorough investigation is accomplished.”