Was it a homicide? Mystery deepens after human remains identified in Berczy Park case

Police say the death of 50-year-old Barrie resident Jamie Goudreault is being treated as a homicide and is considered suspicious

A grim discovery that shocked Barrie now has a name.

Nearly two weeks after human remains were discovered in Berczy Park, police have identified the victim, but questions linger about how he ended up there.

On Thursday, investigators confirmed the man is 50-year-old Barrie resident Jamie Goudreault, who goes by the nickname “Bones.”

Goudreault was familiar to many in the community. Officers say he regularly panhandled at the Highway 400 off-ramp at Bayfield Street and the Essa Road on-ramp at Fairview Road.

Police say his death is being treated as a homicide and is considered suspicious. His next of kin has been notified.

Investigators are now asking for the public’s help as they work to piece together Goudreault’s final moments.

“Investigators with the Barrie Police Major Crime Unit are appealing to the public for any information on the victim’s last known movements, contacts or activities in recent months,” said police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 705-725-7025 ext. 2160.

Fri., June 5 - Bones discovered

Police were sent to investigate after bones were found in the area of Berczy and Penetang streets last Friday afternoon. The discovery was made after a worker came across the unusual sight and called 911.

The remains were sent to Toronto’s Centre of Forensic Sciences, where a post-mortem examination took place earlier this week.

Police spent days canvassing the area for surveillance footage and using drones to determine the events leading up to the discovery.

Investigators have not said how long the remains had been in the park, or how they got there. Officers did confirm that the man was known to police.