Deadly fire ruled arson; reward offered

03/10/2006

Robert Varley , Register Staff

BRANFORD — The fire that killed Kathleen A. Hardy Tuesday was declared an arson Thursday afternoon, and a $2,500 reward was offered for information to solve the case. Police Lt. William Carroll, who heads the detective division, said that whoever is responsible for setting the fire at 27 Little Bay Lane could be charged with murder. He was not able to confirm if investigators have narrowed the list of suspects, but said they had interviewed dozens of Hardy’s acquaintances.

"I would urge anyone that has information, that has seen any cars or any people in the neighborhood that didn’t belong or appeared suspicious, to contact police," he said.

The chief state medical examiner’s office ruled Hardy, 39, died of smoke inhalation. Hardy was found on the second floor shortly after firefighters put out the blaze that ripped through the upper half of the single-family rented home. Carroll stressed that tipsters could remain anonymous, and that residents shouldn’t consider information unimportant or feel they are burdening officers.

"We consider the public knowledge of that to be very important," said Fire Chief Jack Ahern.

He was unable to comment on what evidence led local and state investigators to label the fire arson, but added that it followed a full forensic investigation.

"There’s never an assumption on our part when a fire starts," Ahern said, acknowledging that rumors about the fire continue to spread throughout town.

While investigators are looking for the public to come forward with crucial information, Hardy’s grieving family is also hoping to comfort her children by recovering their beloved poodle, Zoey.

Hardy’s three children, a 10-year-old boy and two girls, ages 7 and 6, were at school at the time of the fire. They are staying with her ex-husband, Jeffrey G. Hardy, who had at least partial custody.

According to her family, Hardy, who grew up in Naugatuck, was known for her gardening skills and had her own housecleaning business.

Hardy’s mother, Elizabeth Barrett, said it was as if part of her heart was gone forever with her daughter’s death. The family noted that she would normally be getting ready for New Haven’s St. Patrick’s Day parade at this time of year.

"There’s no words that can describe it. It has to be experienced," said her father, Robert Barrett. "God help us — too young to die."

Her parents and siblings were preparing for her Saturday memorial service and trying to pass along information about the dog, which was described as a small, fluffy and friendly 9-month-old chocolate toy poodle. Kathleen Hardy had posted fliers around the neighborhood late last month, showing one of her daughters hugging the dog.

"We told the children if we could get the dog back, it would be like a piece of Mommy," said Dawn Luddy, Hardy’s sister.

Anyone with information about the fire can call the police tip line at 315-3909 or the arson tip line at (800) 84-ARSON.

Anyone who may have found Zoey can bring the dog to the Dan Cosgrove Branford Animal Shelter, 749 E. Main St. After hours, the rescuers should call 481-4241.

the non-emergency police number.

The family believes that someone may have found and taken in Zoey. They desperately want that person to come forward and return the dog.

"Maybe the memory of her will linger a little longer if they have the dog," said Robert Barrett. "If it would just ease the grief of these three children."

Anyone with information about the fire can call either the police tip line at 315-3909 or the arson tip line at (800) 84-ARSON.

Anyone who may have found Zoey can bring the dog to the Dan Cosgrove Branford Animal Shelter on 749 E. Main St. Off hours, the rescuers should call 481-4241, the non-emergency police number.