A man has been arrested and charged with first degree murder in connection to a fatal fire in Chatham in 2022.
Chatham-Kent police reported on Tuesday afternoon that David William Thomas was arrested in Fanny Bay, British Columbia on Friday and charged with first degree murder, five counts of arson-disregard for human life, indignity to a body, and arson for a fraudulent purpose.
The charges stem from an overnight house fire on June 25, 2022 at 149 Edgar Street in Chatham, where the 22-year-old occupant Bayli Sellars was found deceased.
Thomas is listed on her obituary as her father.
"An investigation commenced into the origin of the fire and to determine the cause of Sellars death. Since receiving the initial call multiple agencies have been involved with this investigation including members from the Chatham-Kent Fire Department, Ontario Fire Marshall’s Office, Regional Coroner’s Office, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (R.C.M.P.) and members of the Chatham-Kent Police Service," CK police said in a news release.
A Canada Wide Warrant was issued on May 7, 2024 for the arrest of 48-year-old Thomas.
The accused made a court appearance in British Columbia on Friday and another court appearance in Chatham on Tuesday. He was remanded into custody and his next court date is set for June 11, 2024.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Constable Brad Hyatt at 519-436-6600 Ext. 288 or bradh@chatham-kent.ca.