Simcoe man accused of killing mother appears in court

J.P. Antonacci

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Norfolk County man accused of killing his mother made a court appearance Tuesday, Oct. 14.

Justin Morgan, 45, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Barbara Morgan, 71, who was found dead inside her home on Head Street South in Simcoe on Oct. 5.

Police also searched part of a duplex on Stanley Street Oct. 8 and remained on the scene over the weekend.

Court records show Justin Morgan lives at the house, which is a few blocks from his mother’s house near the Simcoe fairgrounds.

Morgan was arrested Friday and made a first court appearance Saturday.

On Tuesday, he was back in court for a brief appearance. 

Morgan appeared by video from a Hamilton jail, sitting motionless and staring into the camera. He wore a white shirt, sporting long brown hair and a beard.

The accused spoke loudly and clearly, politely answering the judge’s questions.

A publication ban prevents The Spectator from reporting what was said in court. Morgan remains in custody and will return to court Friday.

No friends or family were in the courtroom in Simcoe to witness Morgan’s virtual court appearance.

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In an email, OPP Sgt. Ed Sanchuk said an autopsy revealed Barbara Morgan was the victim of a homicide, but he did not answer questions about how Morgan died.

“At this time, we are unable to provide specific details related to the investigation, as it involves sensitive evidentiary information,” Sanchuk said.

“We appreciate the public’s patience and co-operation as the investigation continues. The OPP would like to reassure the community that there is no additional threat to public safety.”

Second alleged matricide this year

This is the second incident in recent months of a Simcoe woman being allegedly killed by one of her children.

Melissa Earls, a 52-year-old personal support worker, was found dead in a home on Norfolk Street South on April 22 by police officers conducting a wellness check.

Earls’ daughter, 22-year-old Megan Pearson, was arrested three days later and charged with her murder.

Pearson’s case continues to wind through the pre-trial process and the charge has not been tested in court.

- J.P. Antonacci is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter based at the Hamilton Spectator. The initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.