Advertisement

Charge against man accused of setting fire to Toronto tent upgraded to murder

A Toronto Police Service logo in Ottawa, on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

Police in Toronto have upgraded the charge against a man accused of setting fire to a tent with someone inside to murder, after the burn victim died in hospital.

Early on Dec. 26, police were called to a fire in the Charles Street and Yonge Street area of Toronto.

Officers said a man had deliberately set fire to a tent and the mattress inside, throwing things onto the blaze to keep it burning.

Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories.

Get daily National news

Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Keith Appleby, a 51-year-old man, was inside the tent at the time. He was pulled from the burning tent and rushed to hospital in life-threatening condition.

On Dec. 29, police said he had died of his injuries. They upgraded the charge against the 36-year-old man accused in the case to first-degree murder.

Homicide detectives are leading the investigation.

Story continues below advertisement
Click to play video: 'Toronto Fire Chief reflects on a year of challenges, rescues and resilience'
Toronto Fire Chief reflects on a year of challenges, rescues and resilience

Sponsored content

AdChoices