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Double-murder probe brings York police to Barrie neighbourhood

Police say officers executed search warrant in the area of Barrett Crescent and Browning Trail; two Barrie men charged with first-degree murder
Bob Bruton
Bob Bruton
20092024murder2
York Regional Police homicide detectives were in Barrie on Thursday in connection to a murder investigation. Two Barrie men have been charged with first-degree murder following a double shooting in a Keswick park on Wednesday. Michael Chorney/At the Scene Photography

York Regional Police searched a Barrie residence Thursday night in connection with a double-murder investigation in Keswick.

“(York Regional Police) did execute a search warrant in the area of Barrett Crescent and Browning Trail in relation to the double homicide,” said Const. Lisa Moskaluk, media relations officer. “We have since cleared the area."

Speaking in general terms, she said the purpose of a search warrant is to have "an element of surprise to preserve evidence."

Two Barrie men, John McKay, 19, and Ethan Pashak-McNeil, 20, have been charged with first-degree murder in connection to Wednesday morning's double shooting at a Georgina park. They were in Newmarket court on Thursday and have another court appearance on Oct. 3.

On Sept. 18 at 7:28 a.m., police say officers responded to the sound of gunshots in the area of Bayview Avenue and Lowndes Avenue, in Keswick. When officers arrived in the area, they located two adult victims in Bayview Park with gunshot wounds. They were pronounced deceased at the scene.

The victims have been identified as Reilly MacDonald, 21, of Keswick, and Mark Sutcliffe, 39. No hometown was provided for Sutcliffe.

Investigators said the two accused men and the victims are believed to be known to each other. 

Peter Leon, communications co-ordinator with Barrie city police, said local police have not been involved in the investigation.

“When things like that happen, usually the police service that’s conducting the investigation obviously gives us a heads up, then if they require any assistance they’ll ask for it, but this is their (York Regional Police) investigation and we have not provided any assistance to the best of my knowledge,” he said.

Anyone who was in the Keswick area at the time, around Bayview Avenue and Lowndes Avenue, or lives in the neighbourhood, is being asked to check their security cameras and dash-cam footage. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police homicide unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7865, or email at [email protected], or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.