Two lives cut short, a community shaken, and a city grappling with the grim aftermath—Barrie’s latest double homicide case reveals a story that is as complex as it is harrowing.
Robert Ladouceur, 52, now faces the full weight of the justice system after months of police work at a homeless encampment just beyond Barrie’s bustling downtown. Charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, indignity to a body, and a slew of weapons and drug-related offences, Ladouceur’s appearance in Barrie court has brought the city’s anxieties into sharp relief. The allegations have yet to be tested in court, but the breadth of the charges speaks to the disturbing events that unfolded this year.
Court documents reveal a chilling timeline. William ‘Blake’ Robinson, 45, is believed to have been killed on January 18, with the dismemberment of a body occurring over the following weeks. The second victim, David Cheesequay, 41, lost his life on July 28, with further evidence of post-mortem indignity surfacing in early August. Both men were familiar faces in Barrie. Cheesequay, in particular, left a legacy in the local skateboarding scene, remembered for his warmth and his trademark phrase: “It ain’t easy being cheesy.” Those who knew him recall a quirky generosity and a smile that refused to dim, even on the bleakest days.
The investigation stretched well beyond Barrie. Police cordoned off the Anne Street encampment and extended their search to Huntsville and North Simcoe. As cleanup crews now work to erase the physical remnants of the encampment, the emotional scars remain fresh for both former residents and the wider community.
Barrie police plan to release further details at an upcoming press event on August 26, while the accused remains in custody awaiting his next court appearance on August 29. The city waits, seeking answers and, perhaps, a measure of closure as the legal process unfolds. For now, the charges serve as a stark reminder: behind every case number are stories, lives, and a community left searching for understanding.
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Gruesome details emerge in Barrie, Ont. double murder case
