Police say a third body has been found in the remains of a charred van in King City, north of Toronto.
Investigators discovered two bodies in the vehicle early Monday morning. The third set of remains was discovered after an examination by an expert forensic anthropologist, York region police said Tuesday.
Police say the bodies were so badly burned, DNA tests and dental records will be required to positively identify the victims. Autopsies are scheduled to take place on Thursday.
A 46-year-old man is in hospital with serious burns in connection with the incident. Police say they have been unable to locate his 47-year-old wife, four-year-old daughter and 22-year-old stepdaughter.
The man has not yet been questioned because he is under heavy sedation.
Police were alerted to the horrific fire after a man suffering from burns ran to a home near the 7th Concession and 16th Sideroad late Sunday night and screamed through an intercom for help. The frightened homeowner called 911.
"He just kept screaming 'help me, help me lady ... I'm dying, I'm dying," resident Sonia Braga told reporters on Tuesday.
Braga said the man didn't mention anything about victims inside a burning van.
Police say the man in hospital is connected to a Scarborough home on Barnsley Court, near Warden Avenue and Ellesmere Road, where a marijuana grow-operation was found in the basement. Investigators believe the victims of the fire live at the same home.
Police have not ruled out that they are dealing with an organized crime hit.
"People that partake in marijuana grow operations are targets for organized crime. They carry a lot of profit," Det. Angelo Delorenzi told reporters.
Family members who gathered at the Scarborough home on Monday identified two of the victims as Jocelyn Mac and her four-year-old daughter Xue. Neighbours identified the husband as Ken Mac.
Neighbours who knew the Mac family described them as "friendly" and "loving."
Police are appealing to anyone with information to contact them at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7865, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
With a report from CTV's John Musselman
