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Graphic evidence presented in trial of man accused of 1994 Barrie murder

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Warning: Details in this article may be disturbing to readers.

The jury was shown an exhibit video for the first time that took them inside Katherine Janeiro's Barrie apartment in the hours that followed her violent death 30 years ago.

Retired OPP identification officer Brad Deakos took the witness stand earlier this week to describe a crime scene marked by significant blood stains and droplets in the living room, bathroom, and bedroom of the unit.

The 20-year-old mother was found on her bedroom floor, face down.

The court heard friends last saw her at around 4 a.m. after a night out. Her body was discovered by a neighbour who often let herself in the apartment to use Janeiro's phone.

Bruce Ellis, known then as Robert MacQueen, is on trial for the second-degree murder of Janeiro.

Ellis, now 61, was arrested by Barrie police in 2021. For years, investigators had been tracking suspects they believed were involved in her murder.

Ellis maintains his innocence.

Janeiro was found to have several stab wounds. The jury heard that when police arrived at the scene, two men were standing in her kitchen, looking for something in the drawers.

One man, identified as Woody, also had a key to Janeiro's apartment, and the jury heard the young woman sold drugs for him.

Ellis, who the court heard had a relationship with Janeiro before her death, often stayed at her apartment when his wife kicked him out of their home across the street.

During testimony this week, the jury heard blood was found in several locations, including on a door jamb between Janeiro's bathroom and bedroom, where it was suggested she may have been moved after being attacked in the bathtub.

The Crown alleges that Ellis killed Janeiro after she told his wife about their affair and claimed he had gotten her pregnant.

The trial is scheduled to continue for another five weeks, resuming on Monday.

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