Still reeling from shootings on Bradshaw Drive on the first day of August, residents in the city of Stratford are enduring the shock of another shooting on Tuesday (Oct. 15) morning.
Kassidy Ballantyne-Holmes, 35, died at Stratford General Hospital after suffering a gunshot wound.
Police found her unresponsive at a residence on Ontario Street, after arriving shortly after 5 a.m.
Keith Savile was arrested at the scene. The 41-year-old is charged with second degree murder, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, unauthorized possession of a firearm and weapons trafficking and manufacturing.
The Bradshaw drive incident, just two-and-a-half months ago, on Aug. 1, brought national media attention to the Festival City.
Ricky Bilcke, age 31, shot three victims after a neighbour dispute.
The shooter killed Jonathan Bennett, age 36. He also shot Bennett’s partner, Stephanie Irvine, who has undergone surgeries as part of her recovery.
David Tokley was shot in the head, and survived the ordeal, after major surgery, but his life is forever impacted.
The incident ended when the shooter turned the gun on himself and ended his own life.
Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma told MyStratfordNow the shooting Tuesday was another “tragedy”, but that the city is not unlike others that come across violent events that impact many.
“It’s certainly once again, a reminder that we are not immune to it.”
Police alerted the community of their presence on Tuesday morning at the Ontario Street residence, a few houses west of King Street. While they emphasized there was no threat to public safety, later in the afternoon, it was announced there was a homicide.
Community leaders organized a couple of community-building events after the Bradshaw Drive tragedy, including one on Bradshaw Drive at the beginning of October to bring residents together after the August shooting.
It included food trucks and live music and a chance for residents to get to know each other.
Victim Services Huron Perth Executive Director Deborah Logue told MyStratfordNow serious incidents have a big impact on different members of the community.
Victim services is there for anyone who has been impacted by a crime or trauma, she said.
“There’s no timeline on grief and support. If it takes you few days or a few weeks that this impacts you, by all means reach out at a later date if it’s not right now.
“There’s no wrong time to reach out for help. And we are here to help connect you to other services. Remember, there’s your family doctor, as well as faith-based supports, there’s other things that are out there that can help you navigate this tragic event.”
Ritsma said he strongly believes that Stratford is still “a beautiful, safe location to live, to raise your family, to work.”
Savile is in custody, with a bail hearing scheduled for Thursday.
If you have information on Tuesday’s incident you can contact Stratford Police at 519-271-4147 ext. 8116, or Crime Stoppers.
You can contact Victim Services Huron Perth at 519-600-4108.
