Barrie Police's investigation that has involved searches at multiple locations including a large wooded area in Barrie has yielded evidence that points to homicide.
Earlier this year, the 'major crime/homicide unit-led 'complex' investigation began after a report of a missing person. It was supported by investigative services, the forensic identification unit, operational support, and operational services.
Investigators expanded their search to multiple locations over the course of the investigation. They include a homeless encampment in bordered by Victoria Street, John Street, and Anne Street South; a rural property in Huntsville on Yearly Road near Cardwell Lake Road; and a residence in north Simcoe County.
As a result of the searches, investigators recovered suspected human remains, which have since been sent to the Centre of Forensic Sciences in Toronto.
After the 52-year-old suspect was identified and later apprehended in Midland, most of the detailed forensic examination commenced at the outdoor properties and the investigation progressed.
Witness interviews confirmed to police that the suspect in custody was responsible for the deaths and dismemberment of 45-year-old William 'Blake' Robinson and 41-year-old David Cheesequay.
Initially facing a total of 19 charges, the man has been additionally charged with more, which include drug-related offences.
Barrie's News Delivered To Your Inbox
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Central Ontario Broadcasting, 431 Huronia Rd, Barrie, Ontario, CA, https://www.cobroadcasting.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
The charges include:
- Second-degree murder
- First-degree murder
- Indignity to a dead — two counts
- Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
- Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition
- Possession of controlled substance – Schedule I – cocaine
- Possession of controlled Substance for the purpose of trafficking – Schedule I – cocaine
- Possession of controlled substance – Schedule I – methamphetamine
- Possession of controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking – Schedule I – methamphetamine
- Possession of controlled substance – Schedule I – fentanyl
- Possession of controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking – Schedule I – fentanyl
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime—over $5000.
The accused is scheduled to appear tomorrow in a Barrie court for the purpose of a bail hearing.
Fencing has since been placed around the investigation site in Barrie after police ended their presence in the area.
The County of Simcoe has since taken steps to help the people who live in the area and have since been displaced.
Barrie Police says it will offer more information at a news conference August 26.
