8-Year-Old Boy Who Perished in Meriden Fire- and His Critically Injured Mother, 40 - Identified: Police

MERIDEN, CT — The eight-year-old Meriden boy who died in Monday's fire on Davis Street has been identified as Elijah Ziolkowski, according to Meriden police.

His mother, 40-year-old Karin Ziolkowski, remains hospitalized in critical condition, and the fire remains under investigation.

"At this time our investigation has been officially deemed to be an active arson investigation," wrote Meriden Police Sgt. Darrin McKay in a statement. "This is based upon the facts and circumstances as to the nature of the fire and this information has been provided by the City Fire Marshall. Of course we will be working collaboratively with the Fire Marshall and members of the Meriden Fire Department."

McKay added, "As to the circumstances which led the Fire Marshall 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."

The house fire was reported Monday morning at about 7:21 a.m., and appeared to be concentrated on the second floor where smoke was seen billowing out of a window.

Both were victims of smoke inhalation, were removed from the house by emergency personnel and rushed to an area hospital. The child reportedly was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

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