Chatham-Kent Emergency crews were called to attend 149 Edgar Street, Chatham Ontario for a residential fire On June 25, 2022, at approximately 3:50 am.

Emergency crews located resident Bayli SELLARS, 22, deceased. An investigation commenced into the origin of the fire and to determine the cause of SELLARS death.

A warrant was issued for the arrest of David William THOMAS, 48, the father of the deceased.

On Friday May 24, 2024, investigators from the Chatham-Kent Police Service along with members of the R.C.M.P located and arrested David THOMAS in Fanny Bay, British Columbia. The accused made an initial court appearance while in British Columbia and has since been transported to Chatham-Kent.

On Tuesday May 28, 2024, THOMAS made an appearance in Chatham Court and was remanded into custody. THOMAS has been charged with First Degree Murder, 5 Counts of Arson-Disregard for human life, Indignity to a body and Arson – Fraudulent Purpose.