Flowers in memory of Walter Lasher - photo by Emily Chatwood / myFM News
Andrew Thompson, accused of causing a fatal fire in Napanee, missed his initial court appearance on August 13, 2024.
Justice of the Peace Deanne Chapelle, presiding over the Napanee Ontario Court of Justice, learned that Thompson, currently held at Central East Correctional Centre (CECC) in Lindsay, refused to leave his cell for the video appearance. Correctional officers described Thompson as “non-compliant.”
Arrested on August 9, 2024, Thompson faces severe charges, including murder and multiple counts of arson, following a fire at a John Street apartment on August 3. The blaze tragically claimed the life of 67-year-old Walter Lasher. Provincial Crown attorney Erika Perez noted that Thompson was arraigned on August 10.
With the local judge’s upcoming holiday, Chapelle has scheduled Thompson’s next court appearance for early September.
