Edmonton police are calling the death of a woman killed in an explosion at the Bethany Seniors Home a homicide.

Anna Fedorio, 83, and Ken Kopiak, 64, died after an explosion and fire ripped through the seven-storey building at 99th Street and 83rd Avenue at 12:30 a.m. on Aug. 2.

Police now say Kopiak lit his car on fire in the parking lot that night, then went up to his apartment where he spread gasoline throughout the suite.

Kopiak died in the suite, but the explosion also killed Fedorio, who lived next door.

Seven people were taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation and chest pains after the fire which displaced 59 seniors.

The investigation was slowed by the uniqueness of the crime scene, said Det. Dwayne Lakusta.

"It took a great deal of time and work to gather all the necessary information, and to examine all the evidence," he said.

"A large number of resources — including post-blast analysts, forensics investigators, arson and fire investigators, and the Medical Examiners office — were utilized to conclude this investigation."

Kopiak’s death is considered non-criminal.

The homicide brings the city's total for the year to 39, tying the record for most homicides in one year.