cRIME: 1)(Updated) Ontario women found guilty of killing boy in their care and confining his sibling; 2)Barrie martial arts instructor charged in child sexual assault case; 3)$300K theft at The 400 Market in Innisfil, police seek six suspects; 4)(Updated) Teen charged after man seriously injured in Barrie stabbing; 5)Innisfil man charged in $1M fire at an industrial building; 6)Barrie police seek pickup truck after fail-to-remain crash at south end GO Station; 7) Shots fired at Hickling Trail home in Barrie, vehicle struck; 8) Man wanted in connection with stabbing in Barrie last month in custody; 9)Gun, drugs seized during search warrant by OPP at Barrie residence
1)(Updated) Ontario women found guilty of killing boy in their care and confining his sibling
Courtesy Barrie360.com and Canadian Press
By Maan Alhmidi and Paola Loriggio
May 5, 2026
Two Ontario women hated and resented two young brothers they were seeking to adopt, abusing them until the older child died, a judge concluded Tuesday as he found the couple guilty of first-degree murder and other offences.
Gasps could be heard in the Milton, Ont., courtroom as Ontario Superior Court Justice Clayton Conlan handed down his ruling in the case of Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney, who took in the two Indigenous boys in 2017 after the children left another foster home.
The judge did not read out the reasons for his decision during the brief hearing Tuesday morning, but said in a written ruling that the women intended to kill the older sibling and confined, assaulted and failed to provide food and medical care to the younger one out of “ill will” and “to punish and deprive their child.”
At the time of his death in December 2022, the older boy was so small that first responders struggled to understand how the “razor-thin boy lying on the floor in the basement room was really 12 years old,” Conlan wrote.
His surviving brother, now 13, testified at trial, describing years of abuse both siblings endured in the couple’s Burlington, Ont., home.
The boy told the court he was locked in his bedroom for long periods of time, unable to even go to the bathroom without someone opening the door from the outside, the ruling said. He recalled being forced to wear a wetsuit that was fastened to his feet with zip ties, which left deep cuts on the tops of his feet, and being denied food at times for days, the document said.
Court heard the two women referred to the boys by names that included “douche,” “loser” and “moron,” with Cooney testifying she had an issue with “frustration language” and was referring to the boys’ behaviour rather than the children themselves, according to the ruling.
Conlan rejected that explanation.
“I find that these disgusting labels for the children were habitually used by both accused because they hated the boys. They loathed them. They deeply resented them having come into their lives and not having turned out to be what was expected,” he wrote.
Defence lawyers for the women argued their clients had no intention of harming either of the children, who they said had significant behavioural issues.
They argued the older boy’s malnutrition was caused by an eating disorder that likely led to an electrolyte imbalance and cardiac arrest. His cause of death was not determined.
In his ruling, Conlan said he did not believe the accused’s testimony, finding each woman’s account to be “replete with contradictions, inconsistencies and things lacking in common sense.”
Outside court after the ruling, Crown attorney Monica MacKenzie said she hopes the verdict will bring “some measure of accountability” even though no outcome could repair the harm caused by the women’s actions.
“This was an exceptionally tragic case with a profound impact on many people. A child’s life was taken and another child suffered significant abuse over a number of years,” she said, reading from a prepared statement.
“Nothing that was done here today or during the trial could lessen the depth of that loss” for the boys’ family and their communities, she said.
Monte MacGregor, who represents Hamber, said his client maintains her innocence and her love for both boys, as well as her commitment to their well-being.
The defence lawyer said he was a little surprised by the ruling in light of the evidence that his client had called the doctor the day before the boy’s death and that the women had sought help from specialists, which he said “spoke of their true intentions.”
“I believed at the very least we had achieved the objective of getting murder off the table, which requires intent and purpose to take another life. And His Honour disagreed with our position,” he said outside court, adding they will be looking for possible avenues for appeal.
The underlying facts of the case are “tragic, if not horrific,” MacGregor said.
“I think at the heart of it as well, aside from our client’s guilt that was determined today, there was a wholesale systemic failure by the Children’s Aid Society, by the doctors that were involved, and by the people that showed up when it was too late to do something for this young boy and his brother,” he said.
“And I hope that that family can now move on and have some solace and some peace of mind, and I hope that the members of the institutions and the government that oversee these institutions take heed as to what happened here because it is an absolute tragedy that there wasn’t more direct oversight, more involvement by those that are supposed to carry the responsibility of the protection of children.”
The Halton Children’s Aid Society said in a statement last year that it conducted “a number of reviews” after the boy’s death and had co-operated fully with police in the investigation.
In a statement emailed by her lawyer, the boys’ mother said Tuesday’s ruling “represents the first step down a very long path.”
“Justice has been rendered and the trial is over. But for our family this our life. And the horrific nightmare that began for us long ago will forever now be etched in the memories of many,” she said.
“Never again will we hold (the older boy) again. Never embrace him, or share the milestones of life. This verdict does not bring our child back to us. But it does help us move forward.”
Neither the children nor their mother can be identified under a publication ban.
A sentencing hearing will be held at a later date. First-degree murder carries an automatic sentence of life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years.
2)Barrie martial arts instructor charged in child sexual assault case
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Ian MacLennan, May 7, 2026
Barrie Police Service image of Daniel Tallim, a 28-year-old Barrie man charged in connection with a child sexual assault investigation.
Police arrested the 28-year-old suspect yesterday.
Daniel Tallim of Barrie has been charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, and invitation to sexual touching.
Police say Tallim is the sole owner of Alpha Martial Arts on Little Avenue and has been active in the local martial arts community for several years.
Investigators believe there may be more victims.
They’re urging anyone with information to contact Detective Constable Erica Sinclair or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Police say there is no statute of limitations on sexual offences, and reports can still be made regardless of when the alleged incidents occurred.
“Barrie Police understand investigations such as this are upsetting to the community; however, we ask that members of the public only contact investigators if they have information that could assist with the case. Please refrain from contacting police with general inquiries about the case to allow investigators to remain focused on the investigation. Any information that relates to public safety will always be shared with the community directly,” police stated in a news release.
3)$300K theft at The 400 Market in Innisfil, police seek six suspects
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Ian MacLennan, May 5, 2026
South Simcoe Police are investigating the theft of about $300,000 in merchandise from a vendor at The 400 Market on Industrial Park Road in Innisfil.
Police say they were alerted around 9:15 Sunday morning that a vendor had been robbed in the parking lot
Investigators say there were six suspects in a blue 2008 Toyota Sienna. The vehicle was later located a short distance away at Innisfil Beach Road and Industrial Park Road.
Police have released video footage and are appealing for public information.
The suspects are described as follows:
Suspect 1: Driver – wearing a black baseball cap, blue medical mask, white collared jacket, black joggers.
Suspect 2: Passenger 1 – wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, blue medical mask, black joggers.
Suspect 3: Passenger 2 – wearing a black hat, blue medical mask, black hoodie with white design on shoulders and back, black joggers.
Suspect 4: Passenger 3 – wearing a black baseball cap, blue medical mask, black coat, black joggers.
Suspect 5: Passenger 4 – wearing a white hat, blue medical mask, blue coat, grey joggers.
Suspect 6: Passenger 5 – wearing a black hat, blue medical mask, black coat, blue jeans.
“The incident appears to be isolated, and there is no ongoing risk to public safety,” police said in a news release.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have information, surveillance camera footage, or dash camera footage from May 3, 2026, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. in the area of Innisfil Beach Road and Industrial Park Road, to contact 905-775-3311, ext. 1461 or email investigations@southsimcoepolice.ca.
For anyone wishing to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
4)(Updated) Teen charged after man seriously injured in Barrie stabbing
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Ian MacLennan, Updated May 5, 2026
Updated
An 18-year-old man has been charged following a stabbing in Barrie’s south end.
Police say officers were called to a residence near Yonge Street and Cox Mill Road around 9:30 Monday morning for a report of a serious assault.
Investigators say witnesses identified the suspect, who was known to the victim, and police were able to locate the individual and arrest him.
A second male initially fled the scene, prompting a brief foot chase, but was later released unconditionally after officers determined he was not involved.
A 40-year-old Innisfil man was taken to the hospital for treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Police say he was stabbed multiple times following a dispute.
The Barrie teen was charged with aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
The investigation is ongoing.
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Original story
Barrie police are investigating a stabbing that occurred just after 9:30 Monday morning in the area of Yonge Street and Cox Mill Road, in the south end of the city.
A police communications spokesperson told Barrie 360 that an 18-year-old male is in custody and a man believed to be in his 40s was taken to the hospital. There is no word on the injured person’s condition. The spokesperson added that the victim and suspect were known to each other.
Several police vehicles were parked in the driveway of the Mill Creek townhouse complex on Monday afternoon, and yellow police tape roped off a fenced area of the property.
5)Innisfil man charged in $1M fire at an industrial building
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Ian MacLennan, May 4, 2026
York Regional Police say a 59-year-old Innisfil man is facing multiple charges after a blaze tore through an industrial building in Whitchurch-Stoufville.
Just after 3 p.m. on Sunday, police and firefighters responded to a report of smoke billowing from an industrial building in the area of Warden Avenue and Aurora Road.
Damage is estimated to be up to $1 million.
The suspect has been charged with arson, mischief to property exceeding $5,000, and three charges of uttering threats.
Investigators believe this is an isolated incident and there is no threat to public safety.
6)Barrie police seek pickup truck after fail-to-remain crash at south end GO Station
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Ian MacLennan, May 4, 2026
Barrie police are asking for the public’s help after a hit-and-run in the south end Go Transit parking lot on Yonge Street.
Around 7:30 a.m. on April 29, 2026, police say a dark-coloured pickup truck struck a parked vehicle in the station parking lot. The truck remained in the area briefly before leaving the scene. The driver has not been identified.
Investigators believe several people were in the area at the time who may have witnessed or heard the collision. Police are also hoping to speak with the occupants of a light-coloured car that was positioned directly behind the truck when the incident occurred.
“While attempting to exit a parking space, the pickup truck struck the front driver’s side of a grey, four-door KIA that was situated beside it, causing significant damage, including to the bumper and front panel. Investigators believe the pickup truck is a newer model Dodge Ram, possibly black in colour,” police said in a news release.
The pickup truck will have damage to the passenger side rear door and rear panel over the tire.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have information that could assist in identifying the vehicle or driver is asked to contact police via email at jtowns@barriepolice.ca.
7) Shots fired at Hickling Trail home in Barrie, vehicle struck
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Ian MacLennan, May 8, 2026
A white Tesla is parked on Hickling Trail in Barrie with two visible bullet holes in the front of the vehicle.
Barrie Police are investigating a shooting in the city’s east end after multiple shots were fired at a residence on Hickling Trail near Maitland Drive around 5:30 Friday morning.
Police say officers located a vehicle in the driveway that had been struck by gunfire.
Investigators believe the incident was targeted, adding that several rounds were located in the area.
Bullet holes are visible on the side of a white Tesla parked on Hickling Trail in Barrie, Ont., on May 8, 2026.
Residents can expect police to be in the area canvassing for further evidence.
Police are asking anyone who may have information, including video footage, or dash camera recordings from the area around the time of the incident, to contact Sgt. Barnes at jbarnes@barriepolice.ca, or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
8) Man wanted in connection with stabbing in Barrie last month in custody
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Ian MacLennan, May 8, 2026
Barrie Police say a 28-year-old man wanted in connection with a stabbing last month is in custody.
Toronto Police arrested the suspect on an unrelated matter on Thursday before turning him over to Barrie investigators on outstanding warrants.
The charges stem from an April 11 stabbing near Anne Street North and Donald Street just after midnight. Police say a 43-year-old Barrie man suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a Toronto trauma centre, where he remains in critical condition.
The accused, who is from Barrie, is charged with aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
He’s being held for a bail hearing.
9)Gun, drugs seized during search warrant by OPP at Barrie residence
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Ian MacLennan, May 7, 2026
Police tactical unit vehicles and officers outside a residential home during an OPP search warrant operation in Barrie.
Two people, ages 31 and 34, face weapons and drug-related charges after authorities executed a search warrant at a Barrie residence.
Ontario Provincial Police and the Barrie Tactical Unit were involved in the raid on Apr. 27 as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.
Three people found inside the residence were arrested.
Police said their search uncovered a Glock handgun with an extended magazine, as well as cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, six MDMA pills, and a collapsible baton.
One of the suspects was also charged with two counts of failing to comply with an undertaking.
Police said one of the suspects was held for a bail hearing, and the second suspect was released with a court date.