Accused in Alberta Avenue arsons knew details only someone involved could know: Crown

The Edmonton Police Service has released photos of a person of interest in connection with a string of arsons near 118 Avenue in 2021 and 2022. On June 30, they confirmed that the person in the photo is Darcy Willier. (Suppled: EPS)

An Edmonton man on trial for a string of arsons in the Alberta Avenue area will know his fate by the end of the week.

Darcy Willier is accused of setting 10 fires between 2021 and 2022, as well as firearms charges.

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During the trial, the court heard a police theory that Willier was directed to set the fires by notorious landlord Abdullah Shah, also known as Carmen Pervez.

Police said the possible motives included insurance fraud, extortion or an attempt to drive down property values.

Officers involved in a Mr. Big undercover operation also testified Willier admitted to setting some of the fires or getting someone to do it for him.

The Crown says Willier told the officers details about the fires that only someone involved could have known.

Willier’s lawyers argue the Crown’s evidence is circumstantial and say there are no fingerprints or DNA linking him to the fires.

A verdict is expected friday.