Man Charged with Murder After Fatal Brent House Blaze
Damion Simmons Held Over Deadly Fire
Damion Simmons, 44, with no fixed address, has been charged with the murder of 36-year-old Denise Michelle Keane-Barnett-Simmons following a deadly house fire in Brent.
The charges came late on Wednesday, 29 April, after police linked Simmons to the blaze that claimed Denise’s life.
Multiple Charges Laid
Besides murder, Simmons faces several serious charges including arson with intent to endanger life, criminal damage endangering life, disclosing private and sexual photographs to cause distress, and voyeurism.
He appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 30 April, where he was remanded in custody.
Fatal Fire at Alric Avenue
The fire erupted at a residential property on Alric Avenue, NW10, just after 2am on Thursday, 16 April. Emergency crews rushed Denise to hospital where she sadly died at 6.07am.
A post-mortem at Northwick Park Hospital confirmed the cause of death was burns and inhalation of fire fumes.
Another woman in her 60s was also hurt but suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigation Underway
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched a probe into previous police contact with Denise. A referral was made to the IOPC as part of the ongoing investigation.
