Man who died in fire killed wife before setting house on fire: police

COQUITLAM, B.C. – Police say an investigation has determined that a man who died in a house fire in Coquitlam, B.C., first killed his wife before setting their home ablaze.

RCMP Sgt. Jennifer Pound says autopsies have been performed on the bodies of Agnes and Benyoucef Assen, whose remains were identified through forensics.

They died on July 9 under suspicious circumstances.

Pound says that just after midnight, neighbours noticed smoke coming from the house and entered to try and help whoever might be inside.

But they were overcome by smoke and forced to leave, and attempts by firefighters to revive the couple were unsuccessful.

Neighbours have said the house was the site of a daycare.