Homicide charge laid after man injured in Toronto encampment fire dies: police

An encampment fire has led to a death and a charge of first degree murder, Toronto police said Wednesday.

Crews responded to a fire outside a church on Dec. 26 near Yonge and Charles streets.

Toronto police allege a man set a tent and mattress on fire before throwing items on top of the tent to feed the flames.

A witness managed to pull the victim out of the tent before calling 911, police told CP24 Wednesday. The victim was then brought to hospital before he died of his injuries on Monday, investigators said.

Police identified the victim Wednesday as 51-year-old Keith Appelby. Investigators told CP24 that Appelby was living in the tent.

READ MORE: One person injured after fire breaks out at downtown encampment

Loewen Wolf, 36, was arrested the same day as the fire and charged with a list of arson-related offences.

Wolf has now been charged with first degree murder as well, police said Wednesday.