A Barrie man stands accused in the fatal shooting of two individuals in a Keswick park last autumn. Despite facing two counts of first-degree murder, 19-year-old John McKay secured his release from custody last month following a decision in a Newmarket court, a development raising questions about the conditions under which such serious charges permit pre-trial freedom.
The incident dates back to the morning of September 18, 2024, at Bayview Park in Keswick, Ontario. It was there that Reilly MacDonald, 21, also known online as *Stackzz Mac*, and Mark Sutcliffe, 39, of Stouffville, were fatally shot. John McKay, alongside co-accused Ethan Pashka-McNeil, 21, also from Barrie, faces allegations of carrying out the killings. York Regional Police characterized the event as targeted, suggesting the individuals involved were known to each other, though the specifics of their relationship remain undisclosed by investigators. Authorities assured the public there was no ongoing threat following the incident, despite residents reporting hearing multiple gunshots and observing a bullet hole in a nearby vehicle.
The release of John McKay from pre-trial custody was facilitated through a significant financial commitment. Three individuals acted as sureties, pledging a combined sum exceeding half a million dollars to guarantee his adherence to bail conditions. This substantial pledge underscores the gravity of the situation and the court’s requirements for release. Pashka-McNeil, the co-accused, has not been granted bail and remains incarcerated.
Freedom for McKay comes with stringent limitations designed to monitor his movements and ensure community safety pending trial. Central to these **surety conditions** is the requirement for him to wear a **GPS ankle monitor** at all times. This electronic surveillance provides authorities with constant tracking of his location. Furthermore, McKay is not permitted to be alone; he must remain in the presence of one of his designated sureties constantly. These measures reflect the court’s attempt to balance the presumption of innocence with the seriousness of the first-degree murder charges.
Following the September shooting, police activity extended back to Barrie. Viewer footage captured a potential arrest scene at Leacock Plaza hours after the Keswick incident. Subsequently, both York Regional and Barrie police, employing K9 units and metal detectors, were observed searching the Browning Trail area. Neighbours also reported the seizure of a vehicle from a residence on Barrett Crescent in the Letitia Heights neighbourhood, suggesting an ongoing and thorough investigation into the events leading up to and following the homicides. Friends remembered Sutcliffe as protective, while MacDonald’s social media presence reportedly included images with weapons and gang-related gestures.
The legal process continues for both accused individuals. McKay and Pashka-McNeil are scheduled to appear in court in July for the commencement of their preliminary hearing. It is crucial to remember that the allegations against both men have yet to be proven in a court of law, and they are presumed innocent until determined otherwise. The granting of **John McKay bail** under strict supervision highlights the complexities of the justice system as it navigates cases involving serious violent crime.
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Barrie man accused of murder in Keswick park shooting granted bail
