Homicide Squad detectives are renewing their appeal for public information on the 24th anniversary of a fire which killed 13-year-old Arthur Haines.
About 10.30pm on Thursday 9 April 1998, emergency services responded to reports of a fire at a house on Walker Street, Waterloo.
Arthur Haines, aged 13, who was sleeping over at his friend’s house, became trapped on the top floor of the burning home.
The teenager managed to escape the blaze and was taken to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead with severe burns. He died 11 weeks later.
After a scientific examination of the crime scene, it was determined that the house fire was deliberately lit.
Despite exhaustive investigations by officers from South Sydney Police Area Command, no one has ever been charged in relation to the blaze.
The matter underwent a formal review and in January 2020 was referred to detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad for re-investigation under Strike Force Belemba II.
Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, said police continue to examine several lines of inquiry and a $1 million reward for information remains in place.
“It’s been 24 years to the day since Arthur was horrifically injured in a deliberately lit fire that subsequently took his life and left a mother without her only son,” Det Supt Doherty said.
“I want this anniversary to be seen as a further opportunity for people to come forward with information, and remind everyone that a $1 million reward is still on offer.
“Investigators are still seeking any information on a white 1987 VL commodore and its occupants who we believe were responsible for throwing a Molotov cocktail that caused the fatal fire,” Det Supt Doherty said.
Arthur Haines’ mother, Julie Szabo, said his death has had a profound effect on her life which has been compounded by a lack of answers.
“The trauma of losing my son when he was so youthful and in such a horrific way – it has never left me – and I am saddened that nobody has ever come forward with the truth of what happened,” Ms Szabo said.
“No mother wishes to outlive their children and while I have come to terms with not having Arthur in my life 24 years on, I still wish to see those responsible for his death face justice.
“By staying silent you are protecting the person or persons who took his life and leaving me with a sadness only those who’ve lost a child can truly understand,” Ms Szabo said.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
