The death of 46-year-old Kylee McHugh, who was found after a unit fire in Belconnen, Canberra, is now being investigated as a homicide.Emergency services were called to the Wallcliffe Flats on Osborne Place at around 6.40am on 18 May 2026, after a fire broke out in one of the units.Firefighters extinguished the blaze and subsequently discovered Ms McHugh’s body inside the residence.Police have since confirmed that the circumstances surrounding both the fire and her death are considered suspicious.ACT Policing’s homicide squad has taken control of the investigation from the outset.

Acting Detective Inspector Chris Watson stated that the case is being treated as a homicide and that investigators are actively seeking public assistance to piece together Ms McHugh’s final movements.Authorities are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who had contact with her in the three days leading up to her death.Police are also requesting dashcam and CCTV footage from the period between 9pm on 17 May and 7am on 18 May.The area of interest includes locations bounded by College Street, Haydon Drive, Belconnen Way, and Eastern Valley Way.Investigators have not disclosed whether Ms McHugh lived alone or provided further details about potential suspects or motives.While several people have already been interviewed as part of the inquiry, police have not released information about their identities or roles.The homicide squad continues to appeal for anyone with relevant information to contact Crime Stoppers, quoting reference number 8389127.The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the fire and Ms McHugh’s death.