Police in Barrie have confirmed that skeletal human remains recovered in the city last month belong to William 'Blake' Robinson, a man who was among two people killed in a double homicide in 2025.
The identification was disclosed on Sept. 11, 2026, as part of an ongoing criminal prosecution related to the 2025 killings. Authorities have charged Robert Ladouceur, 53, with a total of 33 counts, including first- and second-degree murder in the deaths of two men.
Investigation and legal posture
Details released by police indicate the skeletal remains recovered in Barrie have now been formally linked to Robinson. The discovery — reported by investigators as occurring last month — has been added to evidence compiled in the broader file that has produced dozens of charges against Ladouceur.
The Crown prosecution and police continue to advance the case through the courts. Ladouceur’s long list of charges suggests investigators have been treating the matter as a complex criminal investigation involving multiple alleged offences. The charges of first- and second-degree murder are among the most serious a court in Ontario can hear, and they carry long-term consequences if convictions are secured.
"Skeletal human remains discovered last month are those of William 'Blake' Robinson,"
The statement identifying Robinson underlines the role forensic work plays in homicide investigations, particularly when remains are discovered long after a crime is alleged to have occurred.
Local impact and community response
For Barrie residents, the development brings renewed attention to a case that began more than a year earlier. The identification of remains in the city is likely to prompt questions about how and where those remains were found and how they relate to the original 2025 investigation. While police have not released a full timeline of discovery or all investigative steps, confirmation of identity is a significant milestone for investigators and the family of the deceased.
- Closure for family: Confirming the identity of remains can be a crucial step toward closure for relatives and loved ones.
- Evidence for prosecution: The remains are part of the body of evidence that Crown prosecutors may rely on as they pursue charges.
- Public safety questions: Residents may seek clarity from police about whether there is any ongoing risk in their neighbourhoods.
Timeline at a glance
| Event | Date / Period |
|---|---|
| Double homicide of two men | 2025 |
| Skeletal remains discovered in Barrie | Last month (August 2026) |
| Identification of remains as William 'Blake' Robinson | Sept. 11, 2026 (announcement) |
| Accused charged in connection to the deaths | Ongoing — Robert Ladouceur faces 33 charges, including murder |
Community members in Barrie may expect further updates from local police and from court proceedings as the matter moves forward. Police typically release additional information as investigations and prosecutions progress, balancing transparency with the need to protect the integrity of the case.
For residents seeking more information, the local detachment of police and the Office of the Crown Attorney are the authoritative sources for updates about charges, court appearances and the status of the investigation. The identification of these remains marks one of several consequential steps in a case that has spanned more than a year and remains active in the justice system.
