MANDEL: Getaway driver convicted of manslaughter in Scarborough arson that killed accomplice

Shiloh Norton pleaded guilty Friday to arson and manslaughter for the 2024 Scarborough restaurant fire that accidentally killed his partner-in-crime

Published Sep 25, 2026  •  Last updated 10 minutes ago  •  3 minute read

Arsonists are seen grabbing gas cans out of a stolen white 2021 Acura RDX before setting a Greek restaurant at 1176 Kennedy Rd. in Scarborough ablaze on June 22, 2024. Photo by Court exhibit

They weren’t the brightest of young criminals – and stupidity cost one of them his life.

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Shiloh Norton pleaded guilty Friday to arson and manslaughter for the deliberately-set Scarborough restaurant fire on June 22, 2024 that accidentally killed his partner-in-crime, O’Brien Todd.

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According to the agreed facts read in the downtown Toronto courtroom, Norton, who was 21 at the time, was driving a white 2021 Acura RDX that had been reported stolen to Peel Regional Police eight days earlier. He first picked up Todd in the Clearview Heights area and another accomplice in North York, a 16-year-old who can only be identified as G.S. under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Just after 1:30 a.m., the trio arrived at the Molon Lave Taverna on Kennedy Rd. just north of Lawrence Ave. E. Norton reversed the Acura into a parking spot in front of the Greek restaurant, right under a camera that captured its licence plate.

First mistake.

In video footage shown in court, Todd exited the vehicle armed with a club used to lock steering wheels and walked toward the restaurant’s front door. Norton got out to help G.S. open the trunk and returned to the driver’s seat. G.S. then retrieved three red jerry cans of gas and headed to the entrance. Todd smashed the front door glass with the club and the two went inside.

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Arsonists are seen grabbing gas cans out of a stolen white 2021 Acura RDX before setting a Greek restaurant at 1176 Kennedy Rd. in Scarborough ablaze on June 22, 2024. Photo by Court exhibit

Arsonists caught on camera pouring gas inside restaurant

With the “smashed glass” alarm triggered, the video cameras inside captured the two arsonists pouring gasoline throughout the restaurant. Todd then entered the kitchen with a jerry can and threw gasoline on to the stove.

A gas stove.

Fatal mistake.

The gas was immediately ignited by the pilot light, causing an explosion of fire.

G.S. managed to escape the blaze by crawling through the broken glass of the front door and running to the waiting getaway car. Todd was not as lucky. The video showed him falling as he tried to flee the inferno. He was trapped – and no one came to his aid.

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Todd’s body foundd after flames extinguished

As smoke billowed out of the restaurant, Norton and G.S. took off in the stolen vehicle, leaving their accomplice behind. Todd’s body was discovered after the blaze was extinguished. Court heard he died of smoke inhalation.

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Norton hid the Acura behind a building in the Clearview Heights neighbourhood – in the city’s west end.

The pair then took an Uber that dropped them at their respective homes – where both were captured on security video. Mistake number three.

Both were arrested a month later.

According to the agreed statement, Norton was on a number of release and probation orders at the time, including a driving prohibition and a curfew.

In a quiet voice, Norton admitted to all the facts, pleaded guilty and was convicted by Superior Court Justice Katherine Corrick. There was no mention of motive or who may have hired the inept criminals. And there were no relatives of the victim in court.

Norton’s surviving co-conspirator was also found guilty of manslaughter and arson at a trial last year and is due for sentencing next month.

The “little Greek” restaurant has since closed.

A sentencing hearing for Norton is scheduled for November.

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