Arsonist in 2004 Applewood firebomb case escapes from BC institution

UPDATE: Victoria police located Michael Douglas Sheets in the 1500 block of Jubilee Avenue at 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday. He was arrested without incident.

CALGARY – One of the men responsible for the 2004 deaths of two Calgary children has escaped from a correctional institution in Metchosin, British Columbia.

Correctional Service Canada (CSC) was notified that Michael Douglas Sheets escaped from the William Head Institution “during an escorted temporary absence in Victoria, British Columbia” at 1:10 p.m. Monday afternoon, according to assistant warden Anthony Baldo.

Victoria Police have been notified and are working to find him as soon as possible and CSC is investigating the incident.

Sheets is 44 years old, 5’6” and has hazel eyes and grey hair. His tattoos include a skull and wings, hearts, and a “4 ever” on the right forearm.

He has been serving a sentence of 14 years, two months for arson and manslaughter related to the deaths of 6-year-old Ali Al-Mayahi and his four-year-old sister Saja, who died after their Applewood townhouse was set on fire in November 2004.

Sheets admitted at the time that he and an acquaintance were paid to throw a Molotov cocktail into the home, and said he used his share of the $120-payment to buy crack. Four others were also charged in the case.

He’s also served sentences for robbery, theft under and obstruction of a peace officer.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Sheets is asked to contact police.

With files from Jill Croteau and Global News