“These were not random murders.”
Chilling words from Barrie Police Chief Richard Johnston. Investigators say the man who allegedly killed and dismembered two people in Barrie earlier this year once lived in the same Victoria Street encampment as the victims, and the murders were targeted.
Robert Ladouceur, 52, was arrested on August 2nd in Midland with the help of provincial police and now faces over 30 criminal charges including first and second-degree murder, as well as two counts of indignity to a dead body. The accused is also accused of firearms and drug trafficking offences along with theft.
“What began as a missing person investigation in January this year has grown into one of the largest investigations Barrie police have ever had,” said Sgt. Brett Carlton at a news conference in Barrie on Tuesday August 26th.
Police did not comment on a possible motive for the killings of 45-year-old William “Blake” Robinson and David “Kyle” Cheesequay. Robinson disappeared mid-January and was reported missing in February. Cheesequay was reported missing at the end of July.
During the investigation, officers searched several locations including the encampment, a property in Huntsville, and a residence in North Simcoe County. They said they found the suspected remains of the victims at the encampment and in Huntsville.
Johnston says Ladouceur had a criminal history and was known to police at the time of his arrest. Police do not believe there are any additional suspects or victims in the case. However, the investigation remains open.
Ladouceur has briefly appeared in court, where he was denied bail. His next court appearance is scheduled to take place Friday, August 29th.
