Yorkshire Live reports that Sharaz Ali masterminded and carried out the murder of Bryonie Gawith and her three children Denisty, Oscar, and Aubree Birtle. According to Yorkshire Live, Sharaz Ali was the long-time partner of Bryonie's sister Antonia and set the home on fire after Antonia left him, having subjected her to years of lies, abuse, and violence. Yorkshire Live alleges that Sharaz Ali was a drug dealer who emotionally manipulated Antonia and threatened Bryonie and their family.
In the middle of the night, a drunk and coked-up Sharaz Ali arrived at the home with Calum Sunderland, holding a lighter and a canister of petrol, Yorkshire Live reports. Calum Sunderland kicked the door in and fled, according to Yorkshire Live. Sharaz Ali walked through the door ready to kill Antonia, Yorkshire Live alleges.
In the days prior, Sharaz Ali sent videos of himself self-harming at Antonia's home, Yorkshire Live reports. However, Sharaz Ali told jurors he had gone to the house to take his own life by setting himself on fire. He claimed, 'I loved her,' explaining he wanted to set himself on fire in front of Antonia because he loved her.
Yorkshire Live alleges that Sharaz Ali poured petrol over Antonia, who ended up outside the property. Antonia got back inside and saw Bryonie kick Sharaz Ali down the stairs, Yorkshire Live reports. Antonia wrestled with Sharaz Ali to try and get the canister and lighter from his hands, according to Yorkshire Live.
Sharaz Ali clicked the lighter, and the house went up in flames, Yorkshire Live alleges. Antonia's screams were caught on CCTV. Bryonie threw her phone to Antonia to speak to emergency services, Yorkshire Live reports.
The exact motive for the arson and murders remains unclear, and the current legal status or outcome of the trial is unknown.