Bayli Sellars. (Photo via McKinlay Funeral Home)
Chatham

Chatham murder case moving forward, perhaps to trial in 2026

A man accused of killing his daughter in Chatham-Kent years ago may be heading to trial if the evidence holds up.

Court dates have been set for 48-year-old David William Thomas, including a focus hearing set for September 22, 2025, and a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 10-18, 2025.

A preliminary hearing is held by the court to decide whether there is enough evidence to send the case to trial.

Thomas is charged with first degree murder in connection to a fatal fire in Chatham in 2022 that killed his daughter.

He was arrested in Fanny Bay, British Columbia in May 2024 and was also charged with 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 22-year-old Bayli Sellars was found deceased.

A Canada Wide Warrant was issued on May 7, 2024 for the arrest of Thomas following an investigation into the origin of the fire and to determine the cause of Sellars' death.

Read More Local Stories

New military crosswalk rendering. (Image courtesy of the Sarnia Legion Branch 62)

New military crosswalk in Sarnia to be unveiled

As part of a partnership between the Sarnia Legion Branch 62 and City of Sarnia, an unveiling ceremony will be held at the corner of Christina Street and Wellington Street on Sunday, June 7, at 2 p.m.

Members of the Sarnia Police Service entering a Tashmoo Avenue residence on June 4, 2026. (Photo courtesy of the Sarnia Police Service)

Two men arrested in Tashmoo Ave. standoff

Sarnia police said the investigation began on May 29 after the victim was allegedly attacked by acquaintances at a residence near Tashmoo Avenue and Christopher Drive at Aamjiwnaang First Nation.