The father of a young woman who was killed in a Chatham house fire nearly two years ago has now been charged with first-degree murder.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service said 48-year-old David William Thomas was arrested by CK police officers and the RCMP in Fanny Bay, British Columbia on Friday.
A Canada-wide warrant was issued for his arrest on May 7 in connection to the death of his daughter, 22-year-old Bayli Sellars whose body was found on June 25, 2022, following a fire at 149 Edgar St. in Chatham.
Police have confirmed to other media that Thomas is Sellars’ father.
Several agencies were involved in the fire and death investigation including Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services, the Ontario Fire Marshall’s Office, the Regional Coroner’s Office, the RCMP and CK police.
Thomas is now charged with first-degree murder, five counts of arson with disregard for human life, indignity to a body, and arson for a fraudulent purpose.
He made an initial court appearance in British Columbia before being returned to Chatham-Kent, where he appeared in court again on Tuesday. Thomas has been remanded into custody with his next court date set for June 11.
