Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr. announced that Yvonne Ngoiri, 39, has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to murder and arson charges in connection to a devastating fire that claimed the lives of four people in Worcester. The fire occurred on Gage Street in May 2022, and Ngoiri was arrested in September of the same year. According to a report from Boston 25 News, Ngoiri will be eligible for parole after 20 years. The victims were identified as Joseph Garchali, 47, Christopher Lozeau, 53, Vincent Page, 41, and Marcel Fontaine, 29, who died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries.
In total, Ngoiri pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree murder, two counts of arson of a dwelling, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury. In a statement obtained by NBC Boston, the District Attorney expressed hope that the sentencing brings "a measure of justice to the four families who lost a loved one, three people who were injured, and many others who lost their homes and belongings in this tragic fire." Ngoiri's sentence also includes additional time for the arson and assault charges, all of which will be served concurrently.
The fire not only resulted in the tragic deaths and injuries, but also affected nearby properties. Additional building on Eastern Avenue suffered damages as well. During the incident, one resident reportedly jumped from a window to escape the flames, sustaining serious injuries, while two more were hospitalized for smoke inhalation.
The cause of the fire was determined to be arson, after investigators concluded it started in an area near the rear of the building. As per an article from Boston 25 News, Ngoiri, who was a former resident of 2 Gage Street, had her last known address in Worcester and has been in custody since her September 2022 arrest.
