One of two people facing charges in a deadly arson that claimed the life of a baby boy and left his mother in hospital in serious condition initially failed to appear in court Friday morning.
At around 12 p.m. on Friday, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Jessica Tammerand, 18, who is charged with arson, disregard for human life and mischief under $5,000.
By Friday afternoon, a lawyer appeared on Tammerand’s behalf and the warrant was vacated. Her case has been put over until Sept. 29.
Bronson Woycenko, 19, was charged with second-degree murder, arson, disregard for human life and mischief under $5,000. Woycenko appeared in court via CCTV. His case was put over until Sept. 29.
READ MORE: Murder charges laid in Edmonton house fire that claimed life of baby boy
Investigators believe outdoor patio furniture was purposely set on fire near the front door of a home in the Ambleside neighbourhood on Aug. 22.
Five-month-old Hunter Brown and his mother, Angie Tang, were trapped on the second floor of the home until firefighters pulled them out. Hunter died a short time later from smoke inhalation and Tang was sent to hospital in serious condition.
On Friday, Cordell Brown, Tang’s husband and Hunter’s father, said she was released from hospital.
Six other people were in the home when the fire started, including Brown. All six were able to escape without serious physical injury.
“We don’t have anything, our life is destroyed. My life is destroyed,” said Brown.
READ MORE: Baby boy’s death a homicide, house fire deliberately set: Edmonton police
“I don’t understand how someone can destroy our whole life. Everything’s gone: our dogs, my kid, Angie’s really injured.”
Court records show no previous charges against Woycenko or Tammerand.
Tammerand had been released on $5,000 bail prior to the scheduled court appearance. Her boyfriend told Global News at the time that she’s “holding up” and that there is more to the story but didn’t provide further details. He believes she’s innocent.
READ MORE: Edmonton police say Cordell Brown arrest ‘unrelated’ to fatal arson
Brown told Global News the pair had previously rented a room in the home. He said they were evicted three times from various properties that he owned.
He alleged the pair stole from him, smoked in the home and caused damage.
Brown said he last spoke with Woycenko three days before the fire.
Hunter’s death was Edmonton’s 32nd homicide of 2017.
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