Man in Dobele commits double murder and attempts to hide footprints by setting house on fire

RIGA - Last week, a man set fire to a house in Dobele after committing a double murder in an attempt to cover his tracks, the State Police (VP) informed LETA.

On Friday, July 25, shortly after 2 p.m., information was received about a fire that had broken out in a one-story residential building in Dobele. Upon arrival at the scene, it was found that the building was burning with an open flame and rescue work was initiated, and the residents of the building were evacuated.

After the fire had been extinguished, the remains of two persons were found in one of the apartments. A man born in 1979 and a woman born in 1968 lost their lives in the fire.

The VP initiated criminal proceedings and clarified all the circumstances of the incident.

On the same day, while carrying out preliminary procedural activities, the VP officers found out that there might have been arson committed to cover up a murder. Information on the alleged perpetrator was also obtained and a manhunt was immediately launched.

At around noon the same day, the alleged perpetrator, a man born in 1985, was arrested. The person had previously had run ins with the police in connection with property crimes. The person had also previously been in police records outside Latvia, in connection with causing minor bodily harm, as well as a drug-related crime.

The Prosecutor's Office initiated criminal proceedings under Section 185 (2) of the Criminal Law for intentional destruction or damage of another person's property, if committed by arson or in any other dangerous manner, or if committed on a large scale, or if the perpetrator's negligence caused death or other serious consequences. Such an offence is punishable by deprivation of liberty for a term not exceeding ten years and by probation supervision for a term not exceeding three years or without probation supervision.

Criminal proceedings have also been initiated under Article 118(2) of the Criminal Code for aggravated murder where two or more persons have been murdered. This offence is punishable by life imprisonment or imprisonment for a term of 15 to 20 years and probation supervision for a term of up to three years with or without confiscation of property.

The suspect was remanded in custody by the Zemgale District Court. The VP is continuing its investigation into the incident.