Keith Savile, the man accused in the shooting death of Kassidy Ballantyne-Holmes, had his case adjourned to Nov. 6 in bail court.
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Savile, 41, has been in custody since Oct. 15 after police and paramedics were called to his apartment at 475 Ontario St. Ballantyne-Holmes, 35, was found unresponsive after allegedly being shot and was rushed to Stratford General Hospital, where she later died.
Savile was charged with second-degree murder, possessing a gun without a license, carrying a weapon for the purpose of committing an offense, and manufacturing a firearm without authorization.
Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma earlier this month called the fallout from the city’s second fatal shooting of 2024 a “loss to our community, a huge loss for both lives.”
Dozens of friends, family and supporters participated last weekend in a memorial candlelight walk for Ballantyne-Holmes.
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“I just really want us to come together and celebrate Kassidy’s life,” organizer Kerry Flood said last week. “First and foremost, it’s about her and how much we loved her. There is a part of it, too, that I want to bring awareness to violence against women, and we’re coming together in a way and taking a peaceful stand.
“Hopefully this is a way we can start to heal together by sharing some stories and a candlelight walk with her spirit hopefully with us.”
Flood addressed those in attendance on Sunday and said she’s been overcome with sadness, grievance, shock and anger after learning of her friend’s death.
“We don’t have to go through this alone,” she said.
Flood also had a message for Ballantyne-Holmes’ family.
“Our hearts go out to each of you, and I hope you can feel the love surrounding you this evening.”
Stratford police are still investigating. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Stratford Police Service at 519-271-4141, ext. 8116, or through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or p3tips.com.
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