This article first appeared on HaltonHillsToday Dec. 4.
A Mississauga man has been sentenced to life in prison with no parole for 25 years in the deaths of two Georgetown residents.
The decision was made Friday in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Milton, nearly three years after Krystyna and Andrzej Rerak lost their lives at their home on Hidden Lake Trail in Georgetown.
Harrison Brown was charged by police with two counts of first-degree murder in early 2021. Police said that Brown, who was 27 at the time, and one of the Reraks knew each other and had a business relationship. .
Brown entered a guilty plea for first-degree murder in the death of Krystyna and second-degree murder in the death of Andrzej.
“Although the tragic loss of Krystyna and Andrzej Rerak will continue to be felt by their family and throughout our community, the Halton Regional Police Service hopes this outcome will bring some measure of healing,” police said in a press release.
“Investigators also wish to acknowledge and give thanks to members of the community for their support and cooperation throughout this investigation, which was instrumental in reaching this conclusion.”
On Feb. 17, 2021, emergency services responded to an explosion inside the couple’s home.
As fire crews battled the blaze, the bodies of Krystyna and Andrzej Rerak were found inside the house.
An investigation was commenced by members of the Halton Regional Police Service, the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, and Office of the Chief Coroner/Ontario Forensic Pathology Services.
On March 26, 2021, homicide investigators arrested and charged Brown with two counts of first-degree murder and arson.
“The investigation determined that the fire was intentionally set and the deaths were deemed to be as a result of homicide,” police said.
