A man charged with killing his daughter returns to court next month to seek release on bail.
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William David Thomas appeared briefly in a Chatham court by video link Tuesday, where his lawyer Bibhas Vaze, requested an Aug. 21 lease hearing for his client.
Thomas, 48, who was remanded in custody, is charged with first-degree murder, five counts of arson – disregard for human life and single counts of arson for a fraudulent purpose and indignity to a body in the death of his Bayli Sellars, 22 .
Sellars was found in her home at 149 Edgar St. in Chatham, after emergency crews responded to a fire about 4 am June 25, 2022.
An investigation was launched into the fire’s origin and the cause of Sellars’ death, police said.
Since the initial call, multiple agencies were involved with the investigation, including Chatham-Kent Fire Department, the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office, the regional coroner’s office and RCMP.
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As a result of the probe, a Canada-wide arrest warrant was issued for Thomas on May 7, 2024, police said.
Thomas was found in Fanny Bay, BC, on May 24 and arrested by Chatham-Kent police and RCMP officers.
A summer 2022 obituary said Sellars enjoyed bowling and soccer growing up.
“The highlight was watching Bayli play her final rugby game in her multi-colored tutu,” the obituary said. “Bayli moved to the beat of dance, must say she rocked the cadet uniform and hat.”
“Bayli was known best for taking pictures and being in pictures,” her obituary added. “Her smile and the beautiful but most often goofy poses will be memories that we will hold on to. Mom best liked the Grinch face.”
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