In the quiet city of Barrie, Ontario, a chilling crime has shattered the peace of a close-knit community, leaving residents grappling with shock and sorrow. What began as a routine missing person report earlier this year has unraveled into a gruesome tale of murder and dismemberment, with two beloved locals at its heart. William “Blake” Robinson, 45, and David Cheesequay, 41, both well-known figures in the area, have been identified as the victims of this heinous act, their lives cut short in a tragedy that has sent ripples of grief through their families, friends, and neighbors.
The investigation, led by the Barrie Police Service’s Major Crime/Homicide Unit, began under the shadow of uncertainty when a missing person report sparked a series of extensive searches across multiple locations. Officers combed through a sprawling wooded area in Barrie, nestled between Victoria Street, John Street, and Anne Street South, where a large homeless encampment has long been a fixture. Their efforts extended beyond the city limits to a rural property on Yearly Road near Cardwell Lake Road in Huntsville and a residence in North Simcoe County. As investigators meticulously scoured these sites, they uncovered chilling evidence: suspected human remains, now in the hands of the Centre of Forensic Sciences in Toronto for analysis.
The breakthrough came on August 2, when authorities arrested a 52-year-old man in Midland, Ontario, marking a pivotal moment in the case. Initially detained on charges unrelated to the murders, including careless use and unauthorized possession of firearms, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and flight from police, the suspect soon found himself at the center of a far darker narrative. Through painstaking witness interviews and forensic work, police identified this man, Robert Ladouceur, as the individual responsible for the deaths and dismemberment of Robinson and Cheesequay.
On August 14, the weight of justice bore down as Ladouceur faced a litany of charges that painted a picture of calculated violence and lawlessness. In addition to first- and second-degree murder, he was charged with two counts of indignity to a dead body, a grim testament to the brutality inflicted upon the victims. The charges didn’t stop there—Ladouceur also faces accusations of possessing a loaded prohibited firearm, careless storage of weapons, and trafficking in cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. Authorities further allege he possessed proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000, underscoring the scope of his alleged criminal activities. Held in custody, Ladouceur appeared at the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie on August 15 for a bail hearing, his fate hanging in the balance as the community awaited answers.
The investigation, described by police as “complex” and “ongoing,” has been a testament to the dedication of Barrie’s law enforcement. Supported by investigative services, the forensic identification unit, and operational teams, detectives have left no stone unturned, their work intensified by the discovery of remains and the need to piece together a timeline of events. Yet, the sensitivity of the case has prompted authorities to hold back further details until a scheduled news conference on August 26 at the Barrie Simcoe Emergency Services Campus. There, Chief Rich Johnston and Sgt. Brett Carleton are expected to shed light on the investigation’s progress, offering a glimpse into the tireless pursuit of justice.
For the families of William Blake Robinson and David Cheesequay, the pain is immeasurable. Described as vibrant members of the Barrie community, their loss has left a void that words cannot fill. The Barrie Police Department has extended heartfelt condolences, acknowledging the profound impact of these violent crimes on loved ones and the broader community. As investigators continue to follow leads, they have issued a call to the public, urging anyone with information to step forward and help bring clarity to this devastating case.
In Barrie, a city known for its warmth and resilience, the echoes of this tragedy linger. The wooded encampment, the rural Huntsville property, and the quiet streets of North Simcoe County now bear the weight of a story that has forever altered the lives of those touched by it. As the investigation presses forward, the community holds its breath, hoping for justice and healing in the wake of unthinkable loss.