Judicial pre-trial held for Barrie man accused of 75-year-old roommate’s death

Sonny Stephens judicial pre-trial was held as he faces charges in connection with the fatal beating of a 75-year-old man in Barrie, Ont.

The case of a Barrie, Ont. man accused of second-degree murder in the brutal beating of his 75-year-old roommate in July 2024 returned to a Barrie courtroom Wednesday.

Sonny Stephens, 47, is accused of killing his roommate on the night of July 13, 2024. Officers were called to a Grove Street East home and discovered a man with “significant head and facial injuries,” according to police.

Court documents obtained by CTV News state the injured man was 75-year-old Eric Beecroft. Police searched for the man responsible and confirmed Stephens was taken into custody when he returned to the home early the next day. He was subsequently charged with second-degree murder.

The allegations against him have not been tested in court.

Police said at the time the two men knew one another and lived in the apparent rooming house where the alleged attack took place.

“There was a disagreement of some sort which led to a physical altercation and that altercation ultimately resulted in the death of a 75-year-old male who resided at that home on Grove Street East,” said Barrie Police spokesperson Peter Leon following the arrest.

Stephens is represented by experienced Toronto defence lawyer Nathan Gorham, who specializes in appeals and defending clients struggling with their mental health. The accused has been in custody since his arrest eight months ago.

Stephens is scheduled to return to a virtual Barrie courtroom on Friday from jail in Penetanguishene.

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