First degree murder charge laid in fatal Abbotsford encampment fire

ABBOTSFORD — Prosecutors have upgraded a charge against a 49-year-old man in connection with the death of a person at the Peardonville encampment in Abbotsford last month.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) says Ryan Easton was initially charged with manslaughter in the death of a man whose body was located in the aftermath of a fire in a small wooden structure.  Easton has also been charged with a count of arson. 

“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,” says Sergeant Freda Fong of IHIT.

Emergency officials were called to the encampment in the 31500 block of South Fraser Way shortly after 6 p.m. on April 24. Police say the area was secured and firefighters doused the flames coming from the small wooden structure.

An IHIT news release says the initial investigation led police to believe they were dealing with a homicide. At that time, one man was arrested and taken into custody.

IHIT says Easton remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on May 26.