Advertisement

Man who started Edmonton fire that killed baby won’t spend more time in jail

Click to play video: 'Edmonton fire dispatcher describes ‘waiting and hoping’ during fire that claimed life of baby boy'
Edmonton fire dispatcher describes ‘waiting and hoping’ during fire that claimed life of baby boy
Sept. 13, 2017: It's been three weeks since a fire ripped through a south Edmonton home claiming the life of five-month old baby boy Hunter Brown. It wasn't the outcome anyone wanted and it was a tough call for everyone involved - from the firefighters on the ground, to the support crew behind them. Quinn Ohler sat down with the dispatcher who was on the phone as a scared mom, Angie Tang, called for help – Sep 13, 2017

The man who pleaded guilty to arson in connection with a 2017 Edmonton house fire that claimed the life of a five-month-old baby boy won’t spend anymore time behind bars.

Bronson Woycenko, 20, was sentenced Thursday to 76 days in jail. Since the time he served at the remand was taken into account, Woycenko has zero days left to serve.

READ MORE: Baby boy’s death a homicide, house fire deliberately set: Edmonton police

On Aug. 22, 2017, a call was made to 911 shortly before 4 a.m. about a fire on Armitage Crescent S.W.

At the time, investigators said outdoor patio furniture was set on fire near the front door of the southwest Edmonton home. The flames spread quickly, trapping the child and his mother, 29-year-old Angie Tang. They were rescued by firefighters.

Story continues below advertisement

The baby, Hunter Brown, died a short time later from smoke inhalation and Tang was taken to hospital in serious condition.

Tang’s family released a statement Thursday following the sentencing.

“It is difficult to express the utter disappointment and disillusionment we are feeling with our justice system following today’s sentencing hearing.

“Hunter’s death was no accident. It was the result of an individual’s deliberate actions. Yet this individual is facing nothing more than a minor inconvenience as his time served means he will have no additional prison time. While we, Hunter’s family, are still desperately struggling with our grief and trauma from losing him to a violent crime,” the statement reads in part.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

WATCH BELOW: An Edmonton mother who remains in hospital following a deadly arson last week is thanking people for their prayers and support, and for remembering her baby boy. Last week, Angie Tang and her five-month-old son, Hunter Brown, were trapped in a house fire. Firefighters rescued them but Hunter died from smoke inhalation. Kendra Slugoski has more. (Aug. 29, 2017)

Click to play video: 'Edmonton mother pens letter about loss of son in deadly arson'
Edmonton mother pens letter about loss of son in deadly arson

“Now, not only do we continue to grieve a devastating loss that still impacts our lives every single day, we have to somehow accept that our justice system is incapable of bringing justice for his death.

Story continues below advertisement

“How is it possible that we live in a world where there is no justice for an innocent baby’s lost life? Hunter knew only love and joy, and gave so much of these precious gifts to everyone who met him. His life’s meaning was cut short as a result of someone’s deliberate actions. And this person is only being held accountable for a very small portion of the impact of his actions.

READ MORE: Murder charges laid in Edmonton house fire that claimed life of baby boy

Woycenko was initially charged with second-degree murder, arson: disregard for human life and mischief under $5,000.

The murder charge was later withdrawn. Alberta Justice said the Crown determined that the evidence did not meet the prosecution standard of “reasonable likelihood of conviction.”

Jessica Tammerand was also charged in connection with the incident, with arson: disregard for human life and mischief under $5,000. Both of those charges were later dropped.

READ MORE: Man pleads guilty to arson in fatal Edmonton house fire that killed baby boy

Woycenko pleaded guilty Dec. 7 to arson and two counts of mischief to property.

His sentence includes 24 months’ probation and a firearm prohibition.

Story continues below advertisement

READ MORE: Father of baby boy who died in Edmonton arson speaks out

After the fire, Hunter’s father, Cordell Brown, said Tammerand and Woycenko had rented a room in the home for about a month in early 2017, before being evicted.

Brown said in total, the pair was evicted three times from various properties he owned.

Sponsored content

AdChoices