Man Doused with Gasoline and Set on Fire in Līgatne Parish: Fire Also Claims Woman's Life

The State Police have completed an investigation into a criminal case regarding a fire that occurred on March 28, 2025, in Līgatne parish, resulting in the deaths of two people. After extinguishing the flames, the remains of a man and a woman were found on the second floor of the building. The deceased man was born in 1975, and the woman in 1970.

During the investigation, it was established that the fire broke out after the suspect, while at the property with acquaintances and consuming alcohol, intentionally poured gasoline on one of the men and set him on fire around 7:30 PM on March 28. The burning body ignited the apartment, and the woman present in the premises also perished in the flames.

The criminal case was reclassified, and the suspect – Birkhāns, born in 1961 – is charged with offenses under Section 185, Paragraph 2 of the Criminal Law for intentional destruction of property by arson, and under Section 117, Paragraphs 3 and 4 for murder under aggravating circumstances, including in a manner dangerous to the lives of several persons and with particular cruelty. The suspect has been remanded in custody as a preventive measure.