Arson Unit detectives are renewing an appeal for information after a teenage boy died in a house fire at Macquarie Fields earlier this year.
Just after 1.30am on Wednesday, June 30, emergency services were called to Montana Way, Macquarie Fields, after smoke was seen coming from a two-storey brick home.
Multiple crews from Fire and Rescue NSW attended and found the home well alight.
The occupants were able to escape the home; however, a teenage boy was unaccounted for.
After fire fighters extinguished the blaze, they located the body of the boy in an upstairs bedroom.
The boy was formally identified as 14-year-old Tahma Teara-Jones [pictured here with the permission of the family].
Police were told Tahma had been staying with a friend who resided at the home on the night the fire.
Local police attended and established a crime scene, which was subsequently examined by specialist forensic officers.
Initial inquiries determined the fire had been deliberately lit, and detectives from the Financial Crimes Squad’s Arson Unit took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Tedsa.
As investigations continue, strike force detectives have visited a memorial for Tahma outside the Macquarie Fields home and are re-appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Arson unit coordinator, Detective Chief Inspector Richard Puffett, said Strike Force Tedsa detectives are investigating several lines of inquiry relating to the cause of the fire.
“While we have already spoken with dozens of residents and other witnesses, investigators believe there are still people – particularly local children who knew Tahma – who have an idea of how this fire may have started,” Det Ch Insp Puffett said.
“These are incredibly tragic circumstances that cost a 14-year-old boy his life, and Tahma’s family deserve answers.
“As our inquiries continue, we are urging anyone who has information that may assist us, including anyone who may have been driving through the area at the time and noticed suspicious activity, to come forward,” Det Ch Insp Puffett said.
Family friend, Tristan Dunphy, said Tahma’s family, as well as the local community, are supportive of efforts by police to investigate the cause of the fire.
“This is about the death of Tahma, who meant a lot to his family and the community. He had his whole life ahead of him,” Tristan said.
“If you have any information about his death, please consider the trauma Tahma’s family are currently going through and reach out and speak to authorities.”
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Tedsa investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.
