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Suspect in Deadly Blaze in Courtice, Ont. Arrested While Trying to Set Another House on Fire: Police
Police say the suspect was linked to a second blaze after a fatal February fire that killed 78-year-old Gerald Schad.
- Durham Regional Police have charged Matthew Bryce Shawn Jones, 23, with manslaughter after he allegedly started a fatal fire at a home in Courtice. He was arrested following an investigation linking him to the incident.
- On February 22, 2026, emergency crews responded to a residential fire near Nash Road and Varcoe Road, discovering 78-year-old Gerald Schad deceased inside. An autopsy confirmed he died as a result of the blaze.
- Police arrested Jones on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, after spotting him using an improvised electronic ignition device to start a residential fire in Courtice, Ont. Investigators then linked him to the February fatality.
- The 23-year-old faces additional charges including arson, disregard for life, mischief under $5000, and breach of probation. These charges accompany the manslaughter count.
- At the time of these incidents, Jones was on probation and prohibited from possessing any incendiary devices. The April 1 residence was occupied but no occupants suffered physical injuries.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left8Leaning Right0Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution73% Left
Bias Distribution
- 73% of the sources lean Left
73% Left
L 73%
C 27%
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