Warning: This article contains details readers may find disturbing. David Zamida will have to wait at least 15 more months before his second-degree murder trial gets underway in a Barrie courtroom. The 49-year-old Wasaga Beach man, who has been in custody since his arrest in March 2024, is accused of murder in the alleged killing of 43-year-old Peter McKinven nearly three years ago. Police said McKinven was found unconscious and dying outside Zamida’s Homewood Avenue home near the side of the road in Feb. 2024. McKinven died in hospital several weeks later. The trial, which was adjourned due to an unexpected issue in the Crown’s office, was supposed to get underway this week in Barrie before Justice Vanessa Christie. The Barrie judge, along with Crown Attorney Elizabeth Stokes and defence lawyer Stefan Rinas, scheduled the new trial dates for three weeks beginning in Feb. 2028. Police confirmed Zamida was initially charged with aggravated assault before his charge was upgraded to murder following McKinven’s death. Those in the area said McKinven was hit in the head with a propane tank and left for dead. Zamida was also charged with possession of cocaine along with weapons offences after investigators seized four rifles, a pellet gun, shotgun ammo, and brass knuckles from his home. Those who lived in the area at the time of Zamida’s arrest told CTV News his home had served as a dangerous drug house that tormented the neighbourhood for years. McKinven was described by his family and friends as a fun-loving father who provided for his two children. Several loved ones appeared during earlier court appearances and expressed their sadness following McKinven’s unexpected death. Zamida has been represented by Toronto defence lawyers Alison Craig and Stefan Rinas. With his trial scheduled to begin in about 15 months, the defence expressed its intention to file an application for a bail review. The allegations against the accused have not been tested in court.
