The mother of an infant who died in an Edmonton arson fire is cherishing memories of her son when he was still safe and swaddled in her arms.
A handwritten letter written by Angie Tang has been posted on the fence surrounding the demolished remains of her west Edmonton home.
Five-month-old Hunter died of smoke inhalation after he and his mother became trapped in the burning Ambleside home last Tuesday.
The mother and child sought refuge in the bedroom closet while black smoke overwhelmed the two-storey home and flames jumped from the front porch to the roof.
Tang remains in critical condition but was able to write the letter from her hospital bed. Family members posted it, on her behalf, near the now-demolished home.
‘Wait till I hold you again’
Tang is grieving the loss of her baby boy and two of the family dogs.
“I am Hunter’s mom and the mom of two puppies that have gone to heaven. With your prayers and support I know I will feel better and recover,” reads the letter.
“My heart is with Hunter always. And I choose to remember the way he lived in my arms. And wait till I hold you again. All three of you.”
Police have charged two former tenants in the case. Bronson Woycenko, 19, and Jessica Tammerand, 18, were arrested last Friday.
Patio furniture was deliberately set on fire on the porch of the home at 1040 Armitage Cres, police said.
Woycenko is charged with second-degree murder, arson, disregard for human life and mischief under $5,000, police said Saturday. Tammerand was charged with arson, disregard for human life and mischief under $5,000.
Tang’s husband and property owner, Cordell Brown, was arrested Friday on an “unrelated matter.” He’s due in court Tuesday to face stolen property charges.
He was also arrested Saturday under the Mental Health Act but was not charged, police said.
In a statement to CBC News on Sunday, Tang’s sister Judith Lam Tang said Angie is aware of the arrests and has begun thinking about where she will bury the baby.
“She is very touched by the outpouring of support from everyone.”
Police have charged two former tenants with arson in the house fire. (Nola Keeler/CBC)