Man accused of murdering mother and three children in Bradford house fire dies in prison
A man accused of murdering a mother and her three children in a house fire in West Yorkshire has died in prison, the Prison Service has confirmed.
Mohammed Shabir, 45, died at HMP Leeds on Wednesday, a spokesperson said.
Mr Shabir, of Keighley, was on remand after being charged with the murders of Bryonie Gawith, 29, Denisty Birtle, nine, Oscar Birtle, five, and Aubree Birtle, 22 months.
The family died after a fire at their house in Westbury Road, Bradford, in the early hours of 21 August 2024.
Shabir was awaiting trial at Bradford Crown Court on 17 November alongside Sharaz Ali, 40, of no fixed address, and Calum Sunderland, 26, of Keighley, who are accused of the same offences.
At a previous court hearing, they all denied the charges, which also include the attempted murder and attempted grievous bodily harm of Ms Gawith’s sister, Antonia Gawith.
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The Prison Service said the prisons and probation ombudsman will investigate the circumstances of Mr Shabir’s death.
The trial of the other two men is scheduled to take place as planned.
