Body found after suspicious Holt house fire identified as home's resident

A person’s body was found in a burned Holt home earlier this month. Photos: Claire Fenwicke.

The body found after a suspicious fire began at a home in a Belconnen suburb has been identified as belonging to the man who lived at the property.

Emergency services were called to the home on Giltinan Place, Holt, at about 2:50 am on 22 May to find it alight.

The body was then found inside the home as firefighters battled the fire.

“At this stage, we’re dealing with it as a suspicious fire and death until we can determine otherwise,” ACT Policing Inspector Rod Anderson said last week.

On Saturday (25 May), ACT Policing said the deceased person had been identified as the 36-year-old man who resided at the property.

“The matter remains under investigation,” a police spokesperson said.

“Police urge anyone in the area of Holt and Latham between 2 am and 3 am on Wednesday, 22 May, with dash-cam footage to contact police.

“Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.”

Human remains were found by firefighters at the Holt property in the early hours of 22 May 2024. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.

Last week, Inspector Anderson wouldn’t confirm if there were any indications of foul play or why the fire was being treated as suspicious.

Where the body was found in the home also wasn’t disclosed.

The property is a single-storey, free-standing brick home at the end of a cul-de-sac.

It’s understood no damage was sustained to the surrounding houses.

To contact Crime Stoppers, call 1800 333 000.