The preliminary hearing continued Monday for a 19-year-old Midland woman accused of murder in the death of an Orillia man more than a year ago.
25-year-old Kyle Farrows was found dead outside his Andrew Street apartment just before midnight on December 14, 2023. Police charged Mackenzie Harrod and Brian Lancaster, now 37, with second-degree murder in Farrows’ death.
Harrod, who has been out on bail under strict conditions according to her lawyer Jeffrey Fisher, wore an ankle monitor in the Barrie courtroom where her preliminary hearing resumed.
Lancaster has been behind bars since his arrest a few days after Farrows died. Those in the area told CTV News Farrows was stabbed several times in the alleyway outside his home. Police have not confirmed how Farrows died. Police would not say if and how Farrows knew the accused.
Last month Lancaster sat in the prisoner’s box inside a Barrie courtroom for the start of his preliminary hearing; the details of which are protected by a publication ban.
Those who knew Farrows described him as kind and respectful. They said he was trying to get his life back on track before he died.
Lancaster has a lengthy criminal record which includes convictions for assault and arson. Lancaster was handed a five-year sentence and granted day parole in 2019 followed by full parole in 2021 according to the Parole Board of Canada after being convicted of sexual assault in 2014.
Harrod’s preliminary hearing is scheduled to continue through Thursday. The allegations against Harrod and Lancaster have not been tested in court.
