Police revealed that the man suspected of murdering and dismembering two individuals in Barrie, a city north of Toronto, had once shared a living space with the victims. Authorities stated that the killings were intentional and targeted, sparking a significant investigation by the Barrie police force.
During a press conference, Sgt. Brett Carlton highlighted the progression of the case, which initiated as a missing person inquiry in January and escalated into one of the most extensive investigations in Barrie police history. The suspect, Robert Ladouceur, aged 52, was apprehended on August 2 with the assistance of provincial law enforcement and now faces a total of 33 criminal charges, including first- and second-degree murder, as well as offenses related to indignity to a deceased body, firearms, drug trafficking, and theft. Ladouceur was denied bail during a recent court hearing.
Details regarding the method used by the accused to kill 45-year-old William “Blake” Robinson and David “Kyle” Cheesequay, as well as his motive, were not disclosed by the police.
Ladouceur, Robinson, and Cheesequay had resided together at an encampment situated in a wooded area of Barrie, bordered by Victoria Street, John Street, and Anne Street S. Robinson was last in contact in January, the same month he is believed to have been murdered, while Cheesequay was reported missing at the end of July.
In the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers conducted searches at various locations, including the encampment, a property in Huntsville, Ontario, and a residence in North Simcoe County. Remains suspected to be those of the victims were discovered at the encampment and in Huntsville.
Chief Richard Johnston assured the public that no additional suspects or victims are believed to be involved in the case, emphasizing that the murders were not random acts. He mentioned that Ladouceur had a criminal record and was already known to the authorities prior to his arrest.