Ottawa, Ontario – A tragic incident in a suburb of Ottawa has left six people, including an infant, dead. The Ottawa Police Service responded to a home on Berrigan Drive after receiving multiple 911 calls late in the evening.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered a man outside the residence, crying for help. He was taken to the hospital and is currently in serious condition. Inside the home, the bodies of his wife, four children, and an acquaintance were found.
The victims have been identified as a family of newcomers from Sri Lanka, including Darshani Banbaranayake Hama Walwwe Darshani Dilanthika Ekanyake, Inuka Wickramasinghe, Ashwini Wickramasinghe, Rinyana Wickramasinghe, Kelly Wickramasinghe, and Amarakoonmubiayansela Ge Gamini Amarakoon.
A suspect, Febrio De-Zoysa, a 19-year-old student and acquaintance of the family, has been charged with six counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. Police stated that an edged weapon was used in the mass killing, describing the act as senseless violence against innocent individuals.
The tragedy has shaken residents of Ottawa, with Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe expressing devastation over the news. Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have both offered their condolences to the victims’ families and the community.
Amid the grieving community, the Ottawa Catholic District School Board is providing support to those in need. Ottawa Public Health also offers resources for individuals seeking help in processing the tragic events that occurred in the Barrhaven community.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event, support and assistance are being offered to those affected by the senseless tragedy.