Orillia man accused in violent stabbing denied bail
David Shirk, an Orillia man with a history of arrests and addiction, was denied bail on Tuesday after being accused of a stabbing that sent a man to the hospital in November.
Shirk's sisters, Tracy Tilly and Kelly Aulbrook, stand by their brother, supporting the man they say has struggled with addiction for years.
"If I ever needed him when I was in my abusive situation, I called David. David was there for me," said Tilly. "Yeah, drugs suck. Drugs ruined his life. It literally ruined him."
"He fell off the wagon. You know, they all do at some point in their life," said Aulbrook. "We're going to fight to get him better, and we want him back."
Shirk, an alleged fentanyl trafficker, was arrested in December with charges including assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, robbery and wounding.
He also failed to comply with a probation order following allegations of a violent altercation in Orillia that sent one person to the hospital with stab wounds to his abdomen, neck and hands.
Shirk has been arrested on six different occasions dating back to 2011, but his most recent charges have come following a breakup with his longtime partner that loved ones say led him to another relapse.
"This isn't the David I know and miss." shared Tilly.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
The court heard officers say that in 2022, while on a call about a suspected overdose, they found Shirk, who provided a false name and then fled from police.
It's alleged Shirk's pitbull attacked the arresting officer, who suffered injuries to his face.
Police claim a large amount of drugs were found that day, including suspected cocaine, along with blue and green fentanyl.
The Crown noted Shirk has 44 offences before the court, including 10 allegations of violence, saying Shirk has eight prior convictions and has breached two previous releases.
His sisters told CTV News Shirk is a loving father and brother who is now getting clean in jail. They hope he is on the road to recovery and redemption.
"I love my brother, and I just want him back. I wanted to be the old David, and he is coming back," Tilly finished.
Shirk will make his next appearance in a week from jail in Penetanguishene.
The allegations against him have not been tested in court.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
'We are declaring our readiness': No decision made yet as Poland declares it's ready to host nuclear weapons
Polish President Andrzej Duda says while no decision has been made around whether Poland will host nuclear weapons as part of an expansion of the NATO alliance’s nuclear sharing program, his country is willing and prepared to do so.
Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after return to New York from upstate prison
Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been hospitalized for a battery of tests after his return to New York City following an appeals court ruling nullifying his 2020 rape conviction.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Central Alberta queer groups react to request from Red Deer-South to reinstate Jennifer Johnson to UCP caucus
A number of LGBQT+2s groups in Central Alberta are pushing back against a request from the Red Deer South UCP constituency to reinstate MLA Jennifer Johnson into the UCP caucus.
Opinion I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
First court appearance for boy and girl charged in death of Halifax 16-year-old
A girl and a boy, both 14 years old, made their first appearance today in a Halifax courtroom, where they each face a second-degree murder charge in the stabbing death of a 16-year-old high school student.