Murder suspect appears in court

One of the four young men charged with the murder of a 54-year-old Thunder Bay man was in provincial court Friday.

Nicholas Webber, 18, made a brief appearance in person at the request of his lawyer Chris Watkins. He's charged with first degree murder, break and enter and committing an indictable offense. The other three suspects facing identical charges appeared in court Thursday via videoconference.

The fatal incident took place just after midnight Saturday on Minnesota Street. Police say the victim, Robert Topping received a call from a concerned friend and proceeded to the home.

Police say Topping was assaulted, and pronounced dead soon after. A funeral for Topping was held Friday.

Webber and the other three suspects will all appear in court again on Monday, via video.