Homicide Squad detectives have identified a vehicle of interest as they continue to appeal for information into a fire in 1998 that killed a 13-year-old boy.
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 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 this year the case was referred to detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad to re-investigate under Strike Force Belemba II.
Last month, it was announced that the NSW Government had increased the $100,000 reward for information to $1 million.
As part of ongoing inquiries, strike force investigators received new information that a car containing two men was seen at the rear of the property in Beaumont Street, Waterloo, at the time of the fire.
The vehicle of interest is described as a white 1987 VL commodore.
Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, said this new information could provide significant new leads in the investigation.
“Detectives believe that one of the men got out of the vehicle before throwing a Molotov cocktail into the rear of the property,” Det Supt Doherty said.
“That act has sparked the fire, which ultimately resulted in a 13-year-old boy losing his life, and a mother losing her only son.
“If you saw this car, or have any information about it, we would strongly encourage you to come forward and assist investigators to hold those who are responsible for Arthur’s death accountable,” Det Supt Doherty said.
Detectives also uncovered new information about the Molotov cocktail used to start the blaze.
“We have received reports that there were a number of people present when the Molotov cocktail was being prepared prior to the fire,” Det Supt Doherty said.
“It has been 22 years since this horrific incident took place, and our message to those who were there, that now is the time to come forward and tell us what you know.”
The $1 million reward is available for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for Arthur Haines’ death.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Belemba II investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
