Connecticut ‘mom’ arrested, accused of killing 8-year-old son in 2016 blaze

A Connecticut woman was arrested on suspicion that she killed her son prior to setting a residential fire last year.

According to WTIC, Karin Ziolkowski is facing charges of murder and arson in connection with the November 2016 blaze in which 8-year-old Elijah Ziolkowski died.

At the time, WTIC reported that Karin Ziolkowski was inside the home with her son when firefighters responded.

Mother and son were removed from the residence and taken to a local hospital. Elijah was later pronounced dead while Karin was listed in critical condition.

Authorities were quick to begin treating the blaze as an arson investigation.

“As to the circumstances which led the fire marshal to determine that this was a case of arson, unfortunately, I cannot discuss this at this time as to do so could potentially jeopardize the investigation,” Meridian Police Sgt. Darrin McKay said shortly after the fire.

The Gaston Gazette reported that the family was about to be evicted from the home for nonpayment of rent.

Police confirmed the suspect had been living in North Carolina and was arrested in that state by Bessemer City police.

Reports indicate the victim’s cause of death was homicidal asphyxia, which authorities said was inflicted prior to the fire.

As of the latest reports available, Ziolkowski remained in police custody with bond set at $1 million.

She faces a charge of fleeing fugitive in North Carolina, according to the Hartford Courant.

McKay said he does not know when she will be extradited back to Connecticut.

[Featured image: Gaston County Jail]