Wreckers demolish Newfoundland home where five-year-old girl was found dead

CARBONEAR, N.L. – The house where a five-year-old Newfoundland girl was found after allegedly being killed by her father has been torn down.

About a dozen people gathered Wednesday morning as wrecking crews demolished the Carbonear home where Quinn Butt’s body was discovered last April.

Many of them hugged and consoled each other as the home was flattened.

Police investigators say Quinn died in the house after a fire broke out. The girl’s parents were separated, and she had been visiting her father.

Her father, Trent Butt, is facing charges of first-degree murder and arson.

David Kennedy lives next door to the house and spearheaded efforts to have it torn down.

After residents’ concerns made headlines last month, Kennedy said the bank that holds a lien against the house took ownership. It then got a demolition permit from the town and will cover related costs, he said.

Kennedy said the house has been a constant reminder of the tragedy.

His family called 911 after noise from the powerful blaze woke them around 5 a.m. on April 24, a Sunday morning. He has two boys, aged 11 and 13.

“They witnessed probably more than what they should have,” he said.

(VOCM)