At a news conference held at Barrie Police Headquarters on Tuesday morning, officials revealed the suspect and two victims tied to a grisly homicide investigation all lived in a homeless encampment in central Barrie.
The situation surrounding the case has gripped the city for nearly a month since police cleared dozens of people out of the massive encampment in the Anne, John, and Victoria streets area.
Chief Rich Johnston called the case one of the largest in the service’s history, adding the complexity of the investigation required detectives to work around-the-clock, sifting for evidence.
“The past few weeks have been difficult and challenging for our community,” the chief stated. “It is shocking to the community, and in particular to those vulnerable populations.”
While police have kept the probe largely under wraps, Sgt. Brett Carleton said police are confident at this time that there are no more suspects, they believe there are no more victims, with Chief Johnston reiterating this was a “very isolated occurrence.”
“These were not random murders,” Carleton said, adding the accused was known to police.
The investigation began July 30 when fencing and yellow police tape was erected to surround the evacuated encampment. The area has since been cleared by the City of Barrie but remains closed as officials manage extensive cleanup efforts.
Investigators charged Robert Ladouceur, known as ‘Tattoo Rob,’ for the deaths of William ‘Blake’ Robinson, 45, and David Kyle Cheesequay, 41.
“We know what the motive is but no, I can’t speak to that now,” Carleton said. “All I can say at this time is I knew they were acquaintances and all lived at the encampment at one time.”
Ladouceur was arrested earlier this month on weapons charges and fleeing from police. He is facing charges of first- and second-degree murder, indignity to a body, and multiple weapons and drug-related offences.
Police refused to comment further on the arrest, citing the ongoing investigation.
The case stretched beyond the Barrie encampment, involving a search warrant at a residence in north Simcoe and stretching into Huntsville. Police confirmed human remains were found at the encampment and in Huntsville, but did not get into further details.
“Two sons won’t be coming home today - they won’t be coming home - and that is a loss to the families,” Chief Johnston stated. “And that is our purpose here today.”
Court documents obtained by CTV News revealed the alleged murder of William Robinson took place on Jan. 18, with the dismemberment of a body occurring between Jan. 18 and Feb. 8. Documents also show David Cheesequay may have died on July 28, with the dismemberment of a body occurring between July 28 and Aug. 2.
Police did not disclose the causes of death.
“This remains an ongoing investigation that has not yet been tested in court,” said Jennett Mays with Barrie Police Services at the news conference.
Ladouceur appeared in court earlier this month and was denied bail. The allegations against him have not been tested in court.
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