The Barrie man accused of murdering a local senior on Saturday night at his home in the city’s north end made his first court appearance today.
Sonny Conrad Stephens, 46, has been charged with second-degree murder in an apparent attack on his 75-year-old roommate at their home at 317 Grove St. E., near Duckworth Street, on July 13.
Police had previously told BarrieToday the two men did not live together at the house.
Stephens, looking tired and with dishevelled hair, briefly appeared by video for a remand hearing at the Barrie courthouse on Tuesday morning. He remains in custody and had his next court appearance scheduled for Thursday.
None of the allegations have been tested in court.
Police said the investigation revealed the accused had been involved in an altercation with the victim and fled the scene prior to officers arriving on scene.
“It was just after 10:30 p.m. on Saturday night when the altercation took place in the backyard,” police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon told BarrieToday on Tuesday.
Officers located the victim, who was unconscious with injuries to his head and face. Despite the life-saving efforts of police and paramedics, the victim died from his injuries, according to police.
Shortly after 6 a.m. on Sunday, Stephens was located, arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
A third roommate, who lives at the home with the two men, told BarrieToday on Sunday morning that he witnessed Stephens beating the victim with his hands and feet. He then called the police. The man described the scene as "an ugly thing to witness" and "disgusting.”
