An RCMP explosives disposal unit arrived Sunday in Barrie, Ont., where police continue to find explosive devices, weapons and chemicals in a home that’s at the centre of a 30-year-old cold case.
On Sunday, Barrie police said they had so far found 50 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), but that number will continue to grow as they continue their search of the Virgilwood Crescent home, the yard and two bunkers on the property.
In addition to the RCMP, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Centre of Forensic Sciences are also helping with the investigation.
Police continued their work detonating IEDs and disposing of dangerous chemicals on Sunday. Some devices were brought to the City of Barrie Operations Centre so they could be detonated away from residents.
BarriePolice Const. Angela Butler said that about 56 residents who were forced to leave the area Thursday evening will not be allowed back into their homes until at least Wednesday.
“We realize that it’s difficult for everybody here and we feel for the neighbours as well,” Butler told CTV Barrie. “We would all want to get back into the comfort of our own home.”
Numerous explosive devices, as well as bottles of unknown chemicals, were found inside and around the home late last week. Police also discovered a seven-foot bunker near the residence, as well as a second bunker under a deck.
There were also several booby-traps outside the home.
Police visited the home after a break in the 30-year-old murder investigation of Barrie resident Michael Traynor. The 26-year-old was reported missing by his family on Sept. 18, 1978, and his body was found several weeks later with obvious signs of trauma.
On July 11, police said 54-year-old Donald Feldhoff turned himself in to police. He has been charged with first-degree murder, and is expected to appear in court this week.
His father, 75-year-old William Feldhoff, has been charged with being an accessory to murder after the fact. He is also scheduled to appear in court this week.
Police said they expect to lay charges in connection with the explosives and firearms sometime in the coming week.
On Saturday, Sgt. Tim Conroy of the Barrie Police Service told CTV News Channel that there is no evidence yet to link the explosives and the murder case. However, once the home has been cleared of all dangerous materials, investigators will search the home for any evidence linked to Traynor’s murder.
