Ottawa, Canada – Ottawa police have named the victims of a tragic incident in a suburb of Ottawa as a family of newcomers from Sri Lanka. The authorities responded to a residence on Berrigan Drive after a series of 911 calls on Wednesday night. Upon arrival, they found a man outside the house in need of assistance, who was later hospitalized in serious but stable condition. Tragically, the bodies of his wife, four children, and an acquaintance were discovered inside the home.
The victims have been identified as Darshani Banbaranayake Hama Walwwe Darshani Dilanthika Ekanyake, 35, Inuka Wickramasinghe, 7, Ashwini Wickramasinghe, 4, Rinyana Wickramasinghe, 2, Kelly Wickramasinghe, 2 months old, and Amarakoonmubiayansela Ge Gamini Amarakoon, 40. The Sri Lankan High Commission has been in contact with family members in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka.
A 19-year-old, Febrio De-Zoysa, has been charged with six counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder in connection with the incident. Investigators have revealed that De-Zoysa, a student and acquaintance of the family, was residing in the home at the time of the tragedy. Authorities have stated that an edged weapon was used in the mass killing, describing it as a “senseless act of violence” against innocent individuals.
The devastating news has shaken residents of Ottawa, with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe expressing his condolences and emphasizing that there is no risk to the public. Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have also offered their thoughts and sympathies to the victims’ families and the Ottawa community. The Ottawa Catholic District School Board has extended its support to anyone in need of assistance during this difficult time.
In the wake of the tragedy, Ottawa Public Health has provided resources for those requiring support. The community is urged to come together to help those affected by the heartbreaking events in Barrhaven. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information to contact the Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and vigilance in the face of such a terrible incident.