Wasaga Beach man accused of 2024 murder headed toward trial

David Zamida is headed for trial in the Superior Court of Justice charged with second-degree murder in the 2024 death of a man found outside his home.

Warning: Readers may find details in this article disturbing.

David Zamida appears headed for trial in the Superior Court of Justice charged with second-degree murder in the 2024 death of a man found outside his home.

Committed to trial following a preliminary hearing in Barrie in late 2025, Zamida, 48, is accused of killing 43-year-old Peter McKinven, who was discovered unconscious and dying near the roadway outside Zamida’s Wasaga Beach home on Feb. 25, 2024.

According to investigators, McKinven was found unconscious near the roadway along Homewood Avenue and taken to hospital in critical condition. Police confirmed Zamida was arrested in March 2024 and initially charged with aggravated assault. The charge was then upgraded to second-degree murder when McKinven died of his injuries two months later.

Those in the area said McKinven was hit in the head and left for dead.

“When you take a propane tank to some guy’s skull, that is a little ridiculous,” said Wasaga Beach resident Robert Timlock in May 2024.

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.

At the time of his arrest, those who lived in the area told CTV News Zamida’s residence 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.

Zamida is represented by the firm of Toronto defence lawyer Alison Craig.

Evidence heard in court is protected by a publication ban. Zamida returns to the Superior Court in February. The allegations against David Zamida have not been tested in court.