A suspect has been charged after a 47-year-old man was killed in a fire at an Abbotsford homeless encampment Friday evening. First responders were called to the fire at the Peardonville encampment, located in the 31500 block of South Fraser Way, around 6:10 p.m. The Abbotsford Police Department said the fire was limited to a single wooden structure in the camp. After firefighters doused the blaze, police found a man’s body. Police ruled the death a homicide and arrested one man. Investigators believe the killing was targeted and the victim and suspect knew one another. In an update Saturday, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said one count of manslaughter has been laid against 49-year-old Ryan Easton. “Thanks to the swift response of the Abbotsford Police and the subsequent teamwork with IHIT investigators, we submitted evidence to the (B.C. Prosecution Service) which led to charges being laid within 24 hours of the incident,” IHIT spokesperson Sgt. Freda Fong said, in a news release. “IHIT extends its condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased.” Easton remains in custody pending his next court appearance. Police asked anyone with information to contact IHIT at 1-877-551-4448 or ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
