The woman killed in a suspicious unit fire now being treated as a homicide has been remembered as a 'bright spark' by loved ones. The body of Kylee McHugh, 46, was discovered in her ground floor unit in Belconnen, Canberra's north, following an early morning blaze on May 18.
Details of the Incident
Emergency services responded to the fire at Wallcliffe Flats on Osborne Place shortly after 6.30am. After 10 days of extensive inquiries, homicide detectives launched a renewed public appeal for information about Ms McHugh's final movements on Thursday.
'The circumstances surrounding her death are suspicious and are being treated as a homicide,' ACT Policing Detective Acting Inspector Chris Watson told reporters. The cause of the deadly blaze is still under investigation, and the unit sustained 'substantial damage'.
Investigation Ongoing
Acting Inspector Watson declined to elaborate on why Ms McHugh's death was deemed suspicious or whether she lived alone. 'I can't comment on the specifics of who was in the residence, but we're interested in those people who know Kylee and have any information,' he said.
'We've spoken to a number of people in the course of our inquiries, but in terms of who and why I can't comment. I can't comment on the specifics of what happened inside the unit at the moment, but that is subject of our inquiries.'
Detectives are seeking anyone who had contact with Ms McHugh in the three days leading up to May 18. They also appeal for dash cam or CCTV footage near College Street, Haydon Drive, Belconnen Way, and Eastern Valley Way in the 10 hours before 7am on May 18.
Tributes and Appeal
Ms McHugh's death has sparked an outpouring of tributes online. 'You were a bright spark to every room you walked into,' a friend wrote. 'You will be truly missed. Loved working with you, till we meet again my friend. My sympathy goes out to your beautiful family.'
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
