In short:
A Point Cook man is among two newly charged over a fatal Chapel Street arson attack that left a man dead after months in hospital. The investigation continues as police make multiple arrests and seize evidence across Melbourne.
Fatal Fire Investigation Expands
A 26-year-old Point Cook man has been charged as part of an ongoing investigation into a fatal arson attack at a Chapel Street business in 2025.
Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad executed search warrants at residential addresses in Point Cook and Newport about 6am today, taking two men into custody.
The Point Cook man has been charged with arson causing death, arson – criminal damage with a view to gain, arson – criminal damage by fire, reckless conduct endangering life, possess anything to destroy or damage property, and theft of motor vehicle.
A 28-year-old Newport man was also charged with arson causing death, two counts of arson – criminal damage with a view to gain, arson – criminal damage by fire, reckless conduct endangering life, possess anything to destroy or damage property, and theft of motor vehicle.
Both men are set to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.
Police seized a gel blaster, three laptops and a mobile phone from the Point Cook address. At the Newport address, detectives located seven SIM cards, two laptops and two mobile phones.
Earlier, detectives executed a warrant at an Altona North property at 5am on 11 March, where a 26-year-old man was charged with arson causing death, arson – criminal damage by fire, reckless conduct endangering life, theft of motor vehicle and possess anything to destroy or damage property. He is due to appear in court on 11 June.
A 27-year-old Altona North man was released pending further enquiries.
Police also seized an imitation firearm, stolen number plates, two vials of peptides, a large quantity of illicit tobacco, more than $10,000 in cash and an Audi RS3 sedan from that address.
A 44-year-old Fitzroy man was arrested earlier on 5 March and charged with arson causing death, arson – criminal damage by fire, possess anything with intent to destroy or damage property, reckless conduct endangering life and theft of motor vehicle. He is also due to appear in court on 11 June.
The charges relate to a fire at a Chapel Street store shortly after 4.15am on 15 January 2025.
Witnesses told police two men poured accelerant inside the premises before setting it alight. The store was extensively damaged, along with surrounding businesses.
Police allege the offenders fled in an orange Holden Commodore, with one of the men visibly on fire.
The vehicle was later found dumped on Birdwood Avenue in South Yarra.
Emergency services were then called to a Fitzroy address just before 5am, where a man was located with significant burns.
A 52-year-old St Albans man was taken to hospital and remained there for five months before dying on 6 June as a result of his injuries.
The investigation remains ongoing.
FOLLOW US
