Accused in Wasaga Beach murder returns to court

Court dates are set for the accused in the 2024 Wasaga Beach second-degree murder case.

The Wasaga Beach man accused of murder last spring appeared in a Collingwood courtroom Tuesday to set dates for his preliminary hearing.

On track for trial, David Zamida, 47, is accused of second-degree murder where preliminary hearing dates were supposed to be put on the record by the Crown and defence.

Zamida is represented by Toronto defence lawyer Alison Craig and has been in custody at Central North Correctional Centre in Pentenguishene since his arrest.

Zamida was initially charged in March with the aggravated assault of a man who was found dying outside Zamida’s home. The charge was then upgraded to second-degree murder when the man died two months later in hospital.

According to court documents, that man was 43-year-old Peter Mckinven.

Witnesses said the father of two was violently attacked and left for dead. Police said Mckinven was found unconscious near the roadway and taken to hospital in critical condition.

Zamida was also charged with possession of cocaine along with weapons offences after investigators seized four rifles, a pellet gun, shot gun ammo and brass knuckles from his home.

Those who knew Mckinven described him as a fun-loving father who provided for his children.

At the time of Zamida’s arrest, those who live in the area told CTV News his place had served as a dangerous drug house that tormented the neighbourhood for years.

Zamida’s next appearance is scheduled for next week. The allegations against the accused have not been tested in court.