Man Charged With Murder Of Father After Inner West House Fire

A man has been charged with the murder of his elderly father after a fire destroyed their inner west home on Wednesday morning.

The remains of 80-year-old Edward “Ted” Grantham, a former pastor and music teacher, were found in the ashes of his Croydon home, where he had lived with his wife Anne and their 50-year-old son Christopher.

Just after 4am, multiple Triple Zero calls were received by emergency responders, with firefighters arriving to find the single-level home well alight, with flames penetrating the roof.

“When our firefighters arrived … the house was heavily involved in fire, with flames starting to push out from the roof,” Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said.

“Firefighters have gained access to the home and conducted a search however they did have to withdraw due to the intensity of the fire and a roof collapse starting to occur.”

Once inside, firefighters located the remains of one person.

Anne had left the house at 1am, but Christopher was unaccounted for.

Police allege that while the fire was being contained, Christopher made his way to a Haberfield service station on foot, where he threatened staff and demanded cigarettes.

Burwood Police Area Command established a crime scene in the suburban street, and are investigating the blaze, particularly its origin and cause.

Ted remembered as a “much loved” music aficionado

Police made a public appeal on Wednesday for assistance in locating the younger Grantham.

Burwood Police Area Commander Christine McDonald said he was “intercepted on a train”, more than 15 hours later on the Central Coast.

NSW Police arrested Grantham on Wednesday night, after he was found by officers from Brisbane Police Water District at around 7:40pm in Woy Woy.

Police also allege that a machete was found concealed in the man’s pants when he was searched.

Grantham was taken to Gosford police station, where he was charged with  murder, destroying or damaging property with intent to endanger life – DV related, and armed robbery.

“I am very acutely aware this could have been a lot worse and him in possession of a machete terrifies me to think what he could of done had we not intercepted him in Woy Woy last night,” Superintendent McDonald said.

“This has been an intensive few hours to locate a man we believe can assist with our inquiries into what we allege is a suspicious fire, and I thank my officers and all other officers who provided their assistance.”

Ted Grantham taught as a music teacher at De La Salle College in Ashfield, and later became an organist at Hunter Baillie church in Annandale.

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald , Reverend Danny Ford said Ted was a “much-loved and valued member of the church and wider community”.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with family, friends and us all as we grieve at this difficult time.”