Homicide investigators say the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) has upgraded a manslaughter charge to first-degree murder Friday, following a deadly fire at an Abbotsford encampment last month.
Just after 6 p.m. on April 24, the Abbotsford Police Department (AbbyPD) was called to the Peardonville unhoused encampment on South Fraser Way for reports of a fire limited to a single wooden structure.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!After putting the fire out, the Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service reportedly found a 47-year-old man dead.
Investigators later determined the incident to be a homicide, and one man was taken into custody.
The next day, a 49-year-old man was charged with manslaughter.
In an update Friday, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) said the BCPS had upgraded its charge against the man to murder in the first degree. He has also been charged with one count of arson to a wooden structure, knowing or being reckless to the fact that it was occupied.
IHIT claims the upgrades are a result of “further efforts by IHIT investigators.”
“We strive to collect the best evidence available rather than just sufficient evidence, and this case is a good example where our continued efforts led to upgraded charges,” said Sgt. Freda Fong.
She says the suspect remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on May 26.
—With files from Raynee Novak and Aastha Pandey-Kanaan