Ottawa, Canada – The brutal murder of a local mother in front of her children at a city park has plunged the Ottawa community into deep sorrow and disbelief. Brkti Berhe, a 36-year-old mother of four, was fatally stabbed around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday near the bustling areas of Uplands and Paul Anka drives, close to the international airport and the city’s core.
Authorities confirmed that two of Berhe’s children witnessed the attack at Paul Landry Park, where the tragic incident took place. Following the attack, Fsha Tekhle, a 36-year-old man from Montreal, was apprehended and charged with first-degree murder. The local police are treating the case as a femicide, pointing to a disturbing motive linked to gender-based violence.
According to Helen Kibade, a close family friend, Berhe knew Tekhle through a family connection, as her aunt had recently ended a relationship with him. The case took a more sinister turn as details emerged about a Facebook account associated with Tekhle, which displayed troubling content immediately after the murder. Though the account was later deactivated, it briefly featured a post in Amharic that translates to “done,” timing closely with the aftermath of the killing.
Community members are struggling to come to terms with the horrifying nature of Berhe’s death, particularly as it occurred in a well-frequented park, turning a space of leisure and safety into one of tragedy. The event has shaken parents and others who frequent the park, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes, with many laying flowers and paying respects.
Tanya Pomeranz, a local resident, reflected the community’s grief when she noted the park’s altered atmosphere, describing it as imbued with a “sadness and sombre kind of quality” that deeply affects those who visit.
Adding to the community’s efforts to cope with the tragedy, trauma professionals were deployed to a nearby community center to offer support to shaken locals. The deployment was announced by Riley Brockington, the local council representative, who expressed devastation over the violent act occurring in broad daylight in a popular family spot.
Amidst mourning, there are plans to organize a vigil in the coming week, providing a space for communal grieving and remembrance. Brockington stressed the necessity of coming together as a community during such a difficult time to support those directly affected and to stand united against such senseless acts of violence.
The investigation continues as law enforcement and the community seek answers and justice for Berhe and her family amid broader concerns about violence against women and the safety of public spaces. The case, marked by its brutality and public nature, underscores ongoing societal issues related to domestic relationships and community safety, stirring discussions on preventive measures and the need for increased awareness and intervention strategies.