The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) has launched a homicide investigation following a fatal tent fire in St. Catharines earlier this week. What began as a sudden death inquiry has shifted into a criminal case after investigators determined the blaze was intentionally set.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Incident Overview
On the morning of Tuesday, February 10, 2026, patrol officers discovered a large fire in a wooded section of Mountain Locks Park, near Glendale Avenue and the Merritt Trail.
Upon extinguishing the flames, emergency responders discovered the remains of 53-year-old Kenneth Dombroskie, a member of the local unhoused community.
The Investigation
While the fire was initially treated as an accident, the Homicide Unit took over the lead on February 13. Working in coordination with the Ontario Fire Marshal, forensic evidence led detectives to conclude that the fire was a deliberate act of violence.
“This is a tragic loss of life, and our detectives are committed to finding those responsible for this heinous act,” an NRPS spokesperson stated.
Appeal for Information
Police are currently canvassing the area for witnesses or surveillance footage. They are specifically looking for information regarding:
- Dashcam footage from Glendale Avenue or surrounding streets between midnight and 4:00 a.m. on Feb 10.
- Suspicious activity near the Merritt Trail entrances during those hours.
- Any individuals seen fleeing the Mountain Locks Park area shortly after 3:00 a.m.
