Firefighter Death Ruled Homicide After Police Determine Worcester Fire Was Set On Purpose

The death of a Massachusetts firefighter killed in December battling a blaze in an apartment building has been ruled a homicide after authorities determined the fire had been deliberately set by a former tenant.

Worcester firefighter Christopher Roy, a single father survived by his 9-year-old daughter, died Dec. 9 after he became trapped on the second-floor of the six-unit building. He was rescued by fellow firefighters and died at the hospital. The cause of death was smoke inhalation.

Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. announced Friday that a former tenant of the building, 21-year-old Momoh Kamara, had been indicted on second-degree murder, arson and burglary charges. The case, prosecutors say, has relied on surveillance videos, as well as Uber and Lyft records. Authorities told reporters that they believe Kamara was involved in a dispute with his former roommates.

Kamara, who now lives in West Boylston, was arraigned Friday and is being held without bail. His next court date is set for April 24.

"While we are heartened Mr. Kamara will face justice, our department is still devastated by the loss of our brother firefighter, Christopher Roy," said Worcester Fire Chief Michael Lavoie. "The past three months have been extremely difficult for all of us as we continue to mourn his loss."

With additional reporting from the WBUR's Paul Connearney and Jon Cain