Barrie police reveal murder charges linked to complex homeless encampment investigation

CTV News

2 days ago

Robert Ladouceur, 52, who also goes by 'Tattoo Rob.'
After two weeks of silence from the authorities following a homeless encampment evacuation and investigation, Barrie police issued a media release on Thursday revealing a complex and twisted months-long investigation into a report of a missing person, now one of two men believed to be dead.
The man at the centre of the murder case is Robert Ladouceur, 52, also known as 'Tattoo Rob.' Ladouceur was arrested earlier this month in Midland, days after police cleared out a massive homeless encampment in a greenspace in the area of Anne, John and Victoria streets in Barrie late last month. The area has remained off-limits to the public since July 30.
Ladouceur was charged initially with 19 criminal offences, primarily weapons-related.
Police say their investigation expanded to a rural property on Yearly Road near Cardwell Lake Road in Huntsville and a residence in north Simcoe County.
Tattoo Rob 1
Robert Ladouceur, 52, who police are searching for and believe to be 'armed and dangerous.'
(Source: Barrie Police Service/Facebook)
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Detectives from the service's major crime and homicide unit, along with other specialized teams, recovered evidence, including suspected human remains, which are now at a forensic centre in Toronto for analysis.
'Much of the detailed forensic examination of outdoor properties in recent weeks occurred after the primary suspect in this ongoing investigation was identified and arrested,' Barrie police stated in the Thursday release.
Police say based on witness interviews, investigators believe Ladouceur is responsible for the deaths of William 'Blake' Robinson, 45, and David Cheesequay, 41.
He is now facing further charges of first and second-degree murder, two counts of indignity to a body, plus additional weapons and drug-related offences.
Ladouceur remains in police custody to await a bail hearing scheduled for Friday in Barrie.
Police have decided not to release any further details until August 26, when a news conference is scheduled to be held at Barrie police headquarters.
The allegations against Ladouceur have not been tested in court.
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Barrie encampment investigation
Barrie police stationed at a blocked road outside the encampment at Anne, John and Victoria Streets on Aug. 13, 2025.
(CTV News/Luke Simard)
Barrie encampment investigation
Aerial shots of an encampment in Barrie's downtown area at Victoria, Anne and John Streets on August 8, 2025.
(CTV News chopper)
Questions remain unanswered surrounding Barrie encampment
Homeless encampment
Items are shown in water at a homeless encampment near the downtown in Barrie, Ont., which is undergoing major cleanup efforts on Tues., August. 12, 2025.
Homeless encampment Barrie
A makeshift shelter contains items at a homeless encampment near the downtown in Barrie, Ont., which is undergoing major cleanup efforts on Tues., August. 12, 2025.
Homeless encampment Barrie
A homeless encampment near the downtown in Barrie, Ont. is under major cleanup efforts on Tues., August. 12, 2025.
Homeless encampment Barrie
A homeless encampment near the downtown in Barrie, Ont. is under major cleanup efforts on Tues., August. 12, 2025.
Homeless encampment Barrie
A homeless encampment near the downtown in Barrie, Ont. is under major cleanup efforts on Tues., August. 12, 2025.
Barrie encampment investigation
Aerial shots of an encampment in Barrie's downtown area at Victoria, Anne and John Streets on August 8, 2025.
(CTV News chopper)
Barrie encampment investigation
Aerial shots of an encampment in Barrie's downtown area at Victoria, Anne and John Streets on August 8, 2025.
(CTV News chopper)
Police
A major investigation continues to grip the City of Barrie since police cordoned off Victoria Street, John Street, and Anne Street South on Aug., 8, 2025. (CTV NEWS)
Garbage
A major investigation continues to grip the City of Barrie since police cordoned off Victoria Street, John Street, and Anne Street South on Aug., 8, 2025. (CTV NEWS)
Investigation
A major investigation continues to grip the City of Barrie since police cordoned off Victoria Street, John Street, and Anne Street South on Aug., 8, 2025. (CTV NEWS)
Garbage
A major investigation continues to grip the City of Barrie since police cordoned off Victoria Street, John Street, and Anne Street South on Aug., 8, 2025. (CTV NEWS)
Garbage
A major investigation continues to grip the City of Barrie since police cordoned off Victoria Street, John Street, and Anne Street South on Aug., 8, 2025. (CTV NEWS)
Investigation
A major investigation continues to grip the City of Barrie since police cordoned off Victoria Street, John Street, and Anne Street South on July., 31, 2025. (CTV NEWS)
Garbage
A major investigation continues to grip the City of Barrie since police cordoned off Victoria Street, John Street, and Anne Street South on Aug., 8, 2025. (CTV NEWS)
Encampment photos
An ongoing investigation at the site of a former encampment in Barrie, Ont., on Sat., Aug. 9, 2025.
(CTV News/Mike Lang)
Encampment photos
An ongoing investigation at the site of a former encampment in Barrie, Ont., on Sat., Aug. 9, 2025.
(CTV News/Mike Lang)
Encampment photos
An ongoing investigation at the site of a former encampment in Barrie, Ont., on Sat., Aug. 9, 2025.
(CTV News/Mike Lang)
Encampment photos
An ongoing investigation at the site of a former encampment in Barrie, Ont., on Sat., Aug. 9, 2025.
(CTV News/Mike Lang)
Encampment photos
An ongoing investigation at the site of a former encampment in Barrie, Ont., on Sat., Aug. 9, 2025.
(CTV News/Mike Lang)
Encampment photos
An ongoing investigation at the site of a former encampment in Barrie, Ont., on Sat., Aug. 9, 2025.
(CTV News/Mike Lang)
Encampment photos
An ongoing investigation at the site of a former encampment in Barrie, Ont., on Sat., Aug. 9, 2025.
(CTV News/Mike Lang)