Murder, arson charges laid after fatal Greater Napanee fire

Ontario Provincial Police have charged a 31-year-old from Picton in connection with a fire in Greater Napanee on Aug. 3. (CBC - image credit)
Ontario Provincial Police have charged a 31-year-old from Picton in connection with a fire in Greater Napanee on Aug. 3. (CBC - image credit)

A 31-year-old man from Picton has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal fire in Greater Napanee last weekend, according to Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

Around 8:15 p.m. Saturday night, OPP said emergency crews were called to a multi-unit building on John Street. Paramedics brought 67-year-old Walter Lasher to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Andrew James Thompson has been charged with first-degree murder, criminal harassment (specifically around threatening conduct), three counts of arson damaging property and one count of arson with disregard for human life.

OPP said the person is in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Saturday. Meanwhile, the police investigation continues.