Victim, suspect identified in fatal Stratford shooting

The woman who was fatally shot at a Stratford home on Tuesday has been identified as Kassidy Ballantyne-Holmes.

According to Stratford Police, the 35-year-old was found unresponsive at an Ontario Street address around 5 a.m.

Officers were initially called there to investigate a disturbance.

Ballantyne-Holmes was transported to Stratford General Hospital with a gunshot wound and later died from her injuries.

Police said they also arrested a 41-year-old man at the Ontario Street home.

Keith Savile has been charged with second-degree murder, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and unauthorized possession of a firearm, as well as weapons trafficking and manufacturing.

He has a bail hearing scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 17.

Stratford Police Service vehicles and officers are seen outside a home on Oct. 15, 2024. (Jeff Pickel/CTV News)

Neighbour reaction

One neighbour, who lives in a separate unit inside the Ontario Street home, said she heard the shooting.

“I was in the kitchen making a peanut butter and jam sandwich, when all of the sudden, I heard a ping,” she told CTV News.

Ballantyne-Holmes, she explained, was not in a relationship with Savile. While she didn’t live in ground floor unit, she often stayed there.

“She came in, she had groceries, she was a happy girl,” the neighbour recalled.

She described Ballantyne-Holmes as a good person who was also battling some personal issues.

“She did suffer from a lot of troubles, but no one deserves that. I know she had a good soul.”

The neighbour said Ballantyne-Holmes leaves behind three young children.

“Everyone is really put out here, especially her family. Her poor family, her children.”

Stratford Police at the scene of a fatal shooting on Ontario Street on Oct. 15, 2024. (Jeff Pickel/CTV News)

The investigation

Stratford Police said they continue to actively investigate the shooting.

They’ve shared no further details about what led up to the incident or the charge of second-degree murder.

Anyone with information is asked to Stratford Police at 519-271-4141, ext. 8116. Anonymous tips can also be shared with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.p3tips.com.

The Ontario Street shooting is Stratford’s second suspected homicide in the last three months.

- With reporting by Jeff Pickel