A disabled woman who was severely burned in a suspicious Prince George, B.C., house fire has died in hospital, and police are investigating her death as a homicide.
Linda Fredin was trapped in her wheelchair when her home was consumed by fire on Nov. 24.
The 56-year-old was airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital but passed away early Friday. An autopsy is expected later this week.
Const. Lesley Smith said investigators believe the fire may be linked to another blaze at a tattoo shop owned by a gang member – the boyfriend of Fredin's daughter.
"These recent events have caused much fear, anger and sadness in the community," Smith said in a statement.
Police say Joey Arrance owned the Twisted Soul Tattoo Shop, which burned down a day before the fire at the house, which he rents.
Arrance is a known member of the Game Tight Soldiers gang. He was in jail at the time of both fires. He is facing multiple firearms charges and one count of sexual assault.
Prince George RCMP say they have dedicated hundreds of man hours in the investigation.
Police say gangs have taken hold of Prince George as they fight to rule the local drug trade, including the Independent Soldiers, the Renegades and a motorcycle gang associated with the Hells Angels.
The city was rated the most dangerous in Canada by Maclean's magazine.
Members of the Uniformed Gang Task Force have visited the city several times in recent months to advise local Mounties on tactics.
