NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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ORILLIA - On Sunday, June 4, 2017 at approximately 3:50 a.m., the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), along with County of Simcoe Paramedic Services (CSPS) and the Orillia Fire Department responded to a report of a shooting at a Franklin Street residence in the City of Orillia.
The victim, later identified as 34-year-old Joseph Simonds of Orillia, was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
An investigation was commenced by the Orillia OPP Crime Unit, Central Region Regional Support Team (RST) and Forensic Identification Services (FIS) under the direction of Detective Inspector Andy Raffay of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB).
On June 8, 2017, the Ontario Provincial Police arrested Sonny Brokenshire, 20 years old of Orillia, who has been remanded into custody and set to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie on June 22, 2017 via video.
The OPP also arrested Martin Forget, 41 years old of St. Barbe, Que., who is scheduled for a bail hearing on June 9, 2017 at the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie.
Both of the accused have been charged with first degree murder.
OPP are seeking the public's assistance; a third male suspect is being sought, investigators have limited information on this individual's appearance. The third suspect should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information pertaining to this suspect should not approach this person and contact police as soon as possible by calling 9-1-1.
A dark coloured four-door sedan has been seized in relation to this investigation. Anyone who saw a similar vehicle in the Franklin Street area between Saturday, June 3, 2017 and Sunday, June 4, 2017 at approximately 4 a.m., are asked to contact the Orillia OPP at 705-326-3536 or 1-888-310-1122.
The investigation is continuing and more information will be released as it becomes available.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). You can submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com if you have any information on this crime or any other crime. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.
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