-UPDATE #5- HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION IN SIMCOE

Murder Charge Upgraded, Additional First Degree Murder Charge Laid

(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) - A murder charge has been upgraded and an additional first degree murder charge has been laid in connection with a homicide investigation in Simcoe.

On Sunday, October 5, 2025, shortly after 10:30 am, officers from the Norfolk County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a call for service at a residence on Head Street South in Simcoe and located a deceased individual. The deceased was identified as 71-year-old Barbara MORGAN of Simcoe. A postmortem examination determined that the death was a homicide.

 On Thursday, October 16, 2025, at approximately 6:00 pm, investigators located human remains in a wooded area off Highway 6, west of Caledonia and south of Stirling Street. On Friday, October 17, 2025, a postmortem examination confirmed the remains belonged to 49-year-old Robert SYKES of Simcoe, and his death was the result of a homicide.

On Thursday, November 27, 2025, Justin MORGAN, 45 years old of Simcoe, was charged with two counts of first degree murder contrary to section 235(1) of the Criminal Code. The previously laid second degree murder charge was upgraded to first degree murder.

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Simcoe on Friday, November 28, 2025.

The Norfolk County OPP Crime Unit is continuing the investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. Assistance is also being provided by the OPP Forensic Identification Services.