Alliston Man Charged in Alleged Murder of Derek Perry

An Alliston, Ontario man, Brendon Blanchard, has been charged with second-degree murder and committing an indignity to a dead body in connection with the disappearance of Derek Perry, who was reported missing on June 17, 2023. Blanchard, aged 24, made a brief court appearance on Wednesday following his arrest last week. He is one of three individuals facing charges related to Perry’s alleged murder.

Blanchard’s arrest follows that of his brother-in-law, Johnny Gagnon, 30, who is also charged with murder and committing an indignity to a dead body. Alongside them, Krystal Carleton, 36, faces charges of committing an indignity to a dead body and being an accessory after the fact to murder. Court documents indicate that Carleton is accused of aiding Blanchard and Gagnon in evading authorities between April 16 and 20, 2023.

Local residents have reported a significant police presence at a residence on Beattie Avenue in Alliston, which is believed to be connected to the case. Investigators are treating Perry’s disappearance as a homicide, and the three charged individuals are suspected of either being directly involved in his death or assisting in concealing the facts surrounding it. Authorities have not disclosed whether Perry’s remains have been located.

Blanchard has a history with law enforcement. According to provincial police, he was arrested late last year on multiple warrants stemming from incidents earlier in 2023. His previous charges include mischief, theft under $5,000, and shoplifting. In March 2023, he was convicted of mischief and theft, receiving a sentence of time served, in addition to prior convictions for making threats.

Blanchard is scheduled to return to a virtual courtroom next month. Gagnon and Carleton are expected to appear next week from their detention in Penetanguishene. It is important to note that the allegations against the accused have not yet been tested in court, and they remain innocent until proven guilty.