Barrie man charged with murder in Five Points stabbing has history of violence

A Barrie man charged with murder in relation to a downtown stabbing in late May, remains behind bars awaiting disclosure from the prosecution.

It has been nearly a month since Justin Harris was tracked down by police and taken into custody, charged with killing Kevin Montgomery, 36, who after being stabbed at the Five Points.

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According to Barrie police the stabbing happened May 29 at 11:30 a.m. when officers found Montgomery lying on the ground along Bayfield Street near Dunlop Street West.

Police said Harris was seen “interacting” with Montgomery before he was stabbed. Initially described as a “person of interest,” Harris became a suspect and was arrested nearby along Toronto Street about three hours later.

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Montgomery has been described by loved ones as a devoted father, uncle, brother, and son. It is unclear time how or whether Harris and Montgomery men knew one another.

According to court documents obtained by CTV News Montgomery had a criminal record which included charges of assault, possession of a dangerous weapon and mischief.

He was sentenced to time served in 2020 for assault charges after spending a few months in jail.

Harris spoke with CTV News in the early days of the pandemic, as he slept outside the downtown Barrie Public Library.

Harris was 23 at the time, homeless while battling addiction.

A year later, according to court records, Harris was charged with assault with a weapon and sentenced to time served following two months in custody.

Represented by experienced defence counsel Chris Hanson, Harris appeared in court Friday afternoon from Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre in London.

Hanson told the court he continues to seek disclosure from the Crown. Harris is also charged with assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

The accused returns to a virtual courtroom from jail in early July.

The allegations against him have not been tested in court.