Elijah Ziolkowski died Monday after he and his mother Karin, 40, were pulled from the house on Davis Street.
The fire happened at around 7:15 a.m. Monday. Both victims were brought to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation but Elijah later died.
Karin remains in critical condition."At this time our investigation has been officially deemed to be an active arson investigation," said Sergeant Darrin McKay. "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. As the investigation progresses and I am able to divulge more information, I will certainly do so."
Fire Chief Ken Morgan told the Meriden Record-Journal on Monday that firefighters had not expected to find anyone in the house and that their discovery surprised them.
Police first believed the boy was 9-years-old, but it was confirmed Tuesday that he was 8. He went to Israel Putnam Elementary School, and families who have kids at the school received a phone call alerting them to the tragic news.
"We are deeply saddened and our hearts go out to the family. Please know that we will have counselors and support staff ready to assist any students who may need support," the message about the third-grader said.
If you have information on the fire, call police at 203-630-6233.
A GoFundMe has been set up to assist the family during this difficult time.
