Ottawa, Canada – Six individuals, including a mother and her four children, tragically lost their lives in a horrifying mass killing that occurred inside a residential home in the Barrhaven neighborhood. The incident took place late at night, with the suspect identified as Febrio De-Zoysa, 19, who allegedly used an “edged weapon” to attack the victims. Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs confirmed the devastating news, revealing the identities of the victims as 35-year-old Darshani Dilanthika Ekanyake and her children: Inuka Wickramasinghe, 7; Ashwini Wickramasinghe, 4; Rinyana Wickramasinghe, 2; and 2-month-old Kelly Wickramasinghe. Additionally, family friend Amarakoonmubiayansela Ge Gamini Amarakoon, 40, also lost their life in the tragic event.
The sole survivor of the attack, the husband and father of the children, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was promptly transported to a hospital for medical attention. The family, originally from Sri Lanka, had recently moved to Canada, according to Stubbs. The police chief expressed profound shock and sorrow over the senseless act of violence that befell innocent individuals in their community.
De-Zoysa, the suspect, was apprehended at the scene without resistance, and authorities clarified that the incident did not involve a mass shooting as initially believed, but rather a mass killing. While the motive behind the massacre remains unknown, police disclosed that De-Zoysa, a Sri Lankan national and student in Canada, was acquainted with the victims and was residing in their home at the time of the tragedy. Notably, law enforcement had no previous encounters with either the suspect or the victims before the horrific event unfolded.
In response to the shocking incident, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe described the mass murder as one of the most distressing displays of violence in the city’s history. The community rallied together in support, acknowledging the efforts of emergency responders and expressing solidarity with the impacted families. The Ottawa Catholic School Board extended their condolences to the loved ones of the victims, confirming that the two eldest children attended a local school, Monsignor Paul Baxter School.
As the investigation continues to unfold, authorities charged De-Zoysa with six counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. The city grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, seeking solace and justice for those affected by the heinous act of violence.