Barrie man charged with murder of partner following missing persons’ investigation

A 46-year-old Barrie man has been charged with second-degree murder following the death of his partner during what police described as a missing persons’ investigation in late October.

According to court records obtained by CTV News, Antonio Chimienti is charged with killing 46-year-old Torrance Sacha Charles.

Police said a female believed to be the 46-year-old mother was found dead, confirming Chimienti was arrested in the Stouffville area.

“We recently lost a member of our community to violence that our investigators have determined was intimate partner violence and what we now recognize as femicide,” said Barrie Police Chief Rich Johnston in a prepared video statement posted online. Police declined to answer questions or comment further on the case.

Chimienti appeared in a Barrie courtroom Thursday afternoon and is charged with killing Charles, according to court documents obtained by CTV News, between the 27th and 29th of October in Barrie.

The couple had been missing for days. Police sought help from the public last Thursday, to find Charles and Chimienti along with a missing U-Haul cube truck in what was described by police as a missing persons’ investigation. Anyone who encountered the accused, Charles or the truck was asked to call 911.

Those who live in the area said Chimienti and Charles lived in a home along McVeigh Drive in Barrie, where investigators spent several days last week collecting evidence and towing away a white Mercedes. A large dumpster was also removed from the driveway in the past week.

Police have not revealed the circumstances of the alleged murder including where Charles’ remains were discovered.

Police offered condolences to the family of Sacha Charles.

• Police need your help finding missing duo believed to be operating U-Haul cube truck

“To Sacha’s family, we grieve with you. To our community, please reach out if you need help or know someone who does.”

Chimienti was also charged with being in possession of cocaine.

The accused is scheduled to make his next appearance in a virtual Barrie courtroom in a week. The allegations against him have not been tested in court.