‘We have a lot of families in here and we’re kind of tight-knit,’ says neighbourhood resident; officers from major crime unit and forensic identification unit on scene
A young boy from Barrie, who was found dead inside a home at a housing complex in the south end, is being remembered today as “polite” and “really nice,” according to a nearby neighbour.
Barrie police report that there will be a strong presence in the Bayview Drive-Little Avenue area today and Saturday as they continue their investigation into the death of the 10-year-old boy at Tamarack Woods, which contains around 120 units near the Allandale Recreation Centre.
The boy was discovered around 3 p. m. on New Year’s Eve after officers conducted a well-being check and entered the unit, according to police.
Authorities say that a 47-year-old woman, identified as the boy’s mother, was also found inside the Bayview Drive home. She was taken to a local hospital, where she remained as of Friday morning, according to officials.
The investigation is ongoing, but police state there is no risk to public safety.
Officers from both the major crime unit and forensic identification unit are expected to remain on site over the next few days.
“There was just a lot of confusion … because there were a lot of different EMS vehicles around,” shared one neighbourhood resident outside her home while shoveling her driveway; she chose not to give her name.
Nearby, light snow fell onto a Barrie police cruiser parked outside the residence at the center of attention. An officer sat inside it, monitoring access to the home. In front of it sat an unmarked dark van used by forensic investigators.
“We have many families here and we’re pretty close. I don’t know about others, but this makes me really sad,” said the woman during her break from shoveling. “My family felt quite scared since we didn’t really know what was happening.”
“But you know how rumors can spread? So we all decided we’d keep things low-key for now to help shield our kids from what happened because we don’t want them feeling afraid or worried,” she added.
The woman mentioned that her family moved into Tamarack Woods “not too long ago.”
The family believed to consist of two adults and their young son kept mostly to themselves but were described by neighbors as “nice.”
“Other than that, I didn’t really get to know them well … but when you see someone passing by you say hi or ask how they’re doing; wish them whatever holiday you’re celebrating,” she continued. “You know? Happy Halloween, Merry Christmas-hand out candy or something.”
When asked if she remembers much about the deceased boy, she replied that she’d only met him “a couple of times. He was cute-a little guy.”
“I mainly saw him around. I’m not sure if he had siblings or step-siblings. I don’t know much else about that. But I did meet his mom-he was cute … polite and really nice,” she said.
As children in this neighborhood prepare to return to school Monday following their holiday break, a reporter contacted Simcoe County District School Board for guidance on addressing students’ mental health needs.
“Currently we do not have information available regarding this situation; however, when there’s been loss within a school community, our response team-which includes social workers-will visit schools to provide support for affected students,” board spokesperson Sarah Kekewich stated Friday.
“We also encourage families needing extra help for their child to reach out either through their family doctor or community support services,” she added.
Due to sensitivity surrounding this incident and respect for those involved with this family’s privacy, police indicate updates will be shared only as permitted by ongoing investigations.
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