Police have charged a man with murder following a fatal stabbing last weekend in downtown Barrie.
This afternoon, Barrie police announced they had arrested and charged a 28-year-old man, of no fixed address, with first-degree murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and disguise with intent after he was located at a Barrie residence.
The suspect's name was not released.
He was scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie today.
On Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7:15 a.m., Barrie police and Simcoe County paramedics were called to an apartment behind 16 Dunlop St. E.
A 30-year-old man was found suffering from stab wounds and rushed to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries.
Police have now identified the victim as Ryan Babineau.
On Monday, Nov. 17, a forensic post-mortem examination was conducted at the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OCC-OFPS). The cause of death has been determined to be consistent with injuries sustained from a stabbing.
Barrie police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon told BarrieToday there may be more arrests as the investigation continues.
“There was a great deal of work done around the clock by investigators through viewing video surveillance and speaking with the helpful public,” Leon said. “We can also expect to see more arrests in this case as we are confident there were other persons involved.
Despite the nature of the homicide and more people being sought after, Leon said there seems to be no threat to the public.
“We stand by that this was an isolated incident,” he said. “There are areas of concern everywhere and in every city. We hope people would remain aware of their surroundings no matter where they are.”
Also, yesterday afternoon, a stolen grey-coloured 2019 Mazda X3T that was believed to have been involved in the homicide was located in Huntsville at a motel located on Main Street West.
A short time later, officers from Huntsville OPP and the Central Region OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT) arrested a 27-year-old man without incident for possession of stolen property. This male was not involved in the homicide, according to police.
