Police are investigating after a 10-year-old child was found dead during a well-being check at a Barrie, Ont., residence on New Year’s Eve. Police say they were called to the home located along Bayview Drive near Little Avenue at approximately 3 p.m. Wednesday. When officers entered the residence, they discovered the child dead. A 47-year-old woman, who officials say is the child’s mother, was also found inside the home and was taken to a local hospital, where she remains. Neighbours at the Tamarack Woods complex say they knew the family and were shocked by the devastating news. “Just absolutely heartbreaking. Just everybody is in absolute shock and wants to know what’s going on,” said one neighbour. The Barrie Police Service Major Crime Unit has taken over the investigation, which remains ongoing. Authorities say there is no risk to public safety. A nearby resident recalls an interaction just days before the news broke. “I also remember receiving a package at the wrong address. It came to my house for Christmas. The mother came over a couple of days before Christmas, and she was so excited to give her son a drum set that came to our house by mistake, so she seemed like a really nice lady. Uhm, the kid was playing all the time,” the neighbour said. Police have extended their sympathies to those affected by the incident. In a Friday update, Barrie Police confirmed that they will continue to have a significant police presence in the area over the next few days. Due to the nature of the investigation and to respect the family’s privacy, police say, further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
