Accused in Ottawa death of former Iqaluit woman granted time to meet with lawyer
Ahmed Hozayen, 30, charged with arson and first-degree murder in 2024 death of Ottokie Kelly
Ahmed Hozayen, the 30-year-old Ottawa man charged with first-degree murder in the death of Iqaluit-born Ottokie Kelly, will meet with his legal counsel next week. (File photo by Jeff Pelletier)
Court proceedings for Ahmed Hozayen, 30, who is charged with murder in the fire that killed Iqaluit-born Ottokie Kelly last October, were adjourned Friday in an Ottawa courtroom.
Hozayen is scheduled to meet with his lawyer Leo Russomanno on Jan. 31 at the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre. The defence requested a two-week adjournment to allow time for that meeting, and to review materials related to the case.
Justice of the peace Ginette Forgues granted the request. Hozayen is scheduled to return to court Feb. 7. He attended Friday’s proceedings remotely through an audio feed.
Hozayen is charged with first-degree murder and four arson-related offences, including arson causing bodily harm.
He was arrested following an Oct. 8, 2024, fire on Rossland Avenue in Ottawa’s Nepean area that left Kelly, 51, critically injured. She died from her injuries on Nov. 21 in a Toronto hospital.
Kelly’s partner also suffered serious injuries in the blaze, according to the Ottawa Police Service.
Initially treated by police as an arson investigation, the case was reclassified as a homicide following Kelly’s death.
Hozayen remains in custody.
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