Barrie Police have identified the human remains discovered in Berczy Park as 50-year-old Jamie Goudreault of Barrie.
Police say Goudreault’s next of kin has been notified. Investigators have now classified the death as suspicious and are treating the case as a homicide investigation.
At this stage, police say it is too early to determine the cause of death.
According to investigators, Goudreault was known to police and was commonly known by the nickname “Bones.” Police say he was often seen panhandling at the Highway 400 off-ramp at Bayfield Street and the Essa Road on-ramp at Fairview Road.
The remains were discovered in Berczy Park on Friday, June 5th by a person working in the area. The park was subsequently closed while investigators examined the scene and the remains were sent to the Centre of Forensic Sciences in Toronto for further analysis.
Barrie Police’s Major Crime Unit is now appealing to the public for information about Goudreault’s last known movements, contacts and activities in the months leading up to his death.
Investigators are also seeking surveillance video or dash camera footage that may assist the investigation.
Anyone with information, video surveillance footage, or dash camera footage from the area during the above timeline is asked to contact investigators at 705-725-7025 ext. 2160.
Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
ORIGINAL (Published on Wednesday, June 10th at 10:45 a.m.)
Barrie Police continue to investigate after human remains were discovered in Berczy Park last week, prompting the temporary closure of parts of the downtown green space while forensic investigators worked at the scene.
Police say they were called to the park on Berczy Street shortly before 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5th, after a worker in the area reported finding what were believed to be bones. Officers attended and launched an investigation, with the remains later sent to the Centre of Forensic Sciences in Toronto for examination.
A post-mortem examination was conducted on Monday, June 8th. However, police say additional information has not yet been released as investigators continue efforts to identify the deceased and notify next of kin.
As part of the investigation, officers canvassed the surrounding area for video footage and information that may help determine the circumstances surrounding the discovery.
The investigation also resulted in temporary closures at Berczy Park. The east and west walking path entrances were initially closed to the public while investigators processed the scene. Police later confirmed this week that the park had reopened, although the investigation remains active.
Barrie Police have not released details regarding the age, gender, or identity of the deceased, and have not indicated whether foul play is suspected.
Investigators are expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available.
