‘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 in Barrie, 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 neighbor who lives nearby.
Barrie police report that there will be a strong presence in the Bayview Drive-Little Avenue neighborhood today and Saturday as they continue investigating the death of the 10-year-old at Tamarack Woods, which has around 120 units close to the Allandale Recreation Centre.
He 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 a 47-year-old woman identified as the boy’s mother was also found inside the Bayview Drive residence. She was taken to a local hospital, where she remained as of Friday morning, according to police.
The investigation is ongoing, and police assure there is no risk to public safety.
Officers from both the major crime unit and forensic identification unit are expected to be present over the next few days.
“There was just a lot of confusion … because there were a lot of different EMS vehicles around,” said one neighborhood resident outside their home on Friday while shoveling their driveway; she chose not to give her name.
Nearby, light snow fell on a Barrie police cruiser parked outside the residence under investigation. An officer sat inside, monitoring access to the home. A dark unmarked van used by forensic officers sat in the driveway.
“We have a lot of families in here and we’re kind of tight-knit. And I don’t know about other people, but it makes me really sad,” said the woman during her break from shoveling. “My family was quite scared, just because we didn’t really know what was going on.”
“But you know, rumors started flying around so we all decided we’d keep things quiet for now, just to help keep any kids here insulated from what’s happening because we don’t want them worried or scared,” she added.
The woman mentioned that her family moved into Tamarack Woods “pretty recently.”
The family involved-thought to be parents with their young son-kept mostly to themselves but were described as “nice” by neighbors.
“Other than that, I didn’t really get to know them that well … but if you see somebody passing by you say hi or ask how they’re doing or 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 met him “only a couple of times. He was cute-a little guy.”
“I only saw him once in awhile. I don’t know if there were any other kids or stepkids involved. I don’t have much info on that. I did meet his mom though. The little guy was cute … polite and really nice,” she said.
With local children returning to school Monday after their holiday break, a reporter reached out for information from Simcoe County District School Board regarding mental health support for students affected by this situation.
“We currently do not have information to share about this situation; however, when there’s been loss within our school community, our co-ordinated response team made up of social workers would come into schools providing support for impacted students,” board spokesperson Sarah Kekewich stated on Friday.
“We would also offer resources or suggest families contact their family doctor or community support services should their child need additional help,” she added.
Due to the sensitive nature of this incident and out of respect for those involved, police say updates will only be given as permitted by ongoing investigations.
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