Massachusetts woman sentenced to prison after fire that killed 4 men, sent 3 others to the hospital

WORCESTER – The woman charged with four counts of second-degree murder in connection with a May 2022 Worcester fire that claimed the lives of four people has pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four life sentences with parole eligibility after 20 years, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early, Jr.

39-year-old Yvonne Ngoiri, who has a last known address in Worcester, additionally pleaded guilty to two counts of arson of a dwelling, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury.

In addition to the four life sentences, Ngoiri was sentenced to 18 to 20 years for the arson charges, 14 to 15 years for the one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, and 9 to 10 years for the two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. All sentences will be served concurrently.

“We hope this result brings a measure of justice to the four families who lost a loved one, the three people who were injured, and the many others who lost their homes and belongings in this tragic fire,” Early said.

Public safety personnel from Worcester were called to a four-alarm fire at a three-decker home on 2 Gage St. at 3:30 a.m. on May 14, 2022. Four people died as a result of the fire. These four people were identified as: Joseph Garchali, 47; Christopher Lozeau, 53; Vincent Page, 41; and Marcel Fontaine, 29. The cause of their deaths involved smoke inhalation and thermal injuries.

            During the fire, one resident jumped from a window to escape the flames and was seriously injured. Two other residents were also taken to a Worcester hospital, where they were treated for smoke inhalation.

The fire also damaged 5 Eastern Ave., a nearby building.

Investigators determined that the origin of the fire was an area in the rear of 2 Gage St. and the cause was determined to be incendiary.

Ngoiri is a former resident of 2 Gage St. She has been in custody since her arrest on these charges on Sept. 29, 2022.

The case was investigated by members of the Worcester Police Department Detective Bureau and Crime Scene Unit, Worcester Fire Department Investigative Unit, Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with prosecutors from the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office.

“It took the tireless work of all the investigators to bring the case to this result, and we thank them,” Early said. “I would also like to thank Assistant District Attorney Joseph Simmons and Victim Witness Advocate Maria Deyette for all of their efforts on this case.”