Ottawa police have identified six people, including an infant, killed in a suburb of Ottawa, as a family of newcomers from Sri Lanka.
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) responded to a home in the 300 block of Berrigan Drive at 10:52 p.m. Wednesday, March 6 after receiving a number of 911 calls.
Investigators say a man was found outside the house, yelling for help, and was taken to hospital where he is now in serious, but stable condition.
Police say the bodies of two adults, and four children were found inside the home.
Officers say an edged weapon was used in the crime.
The victims have been identified as Darshani Banbaranayake Hama Walwwe Darshani Dilanthika Ekanyake, 35, her son, Inuka Wickramasinghe, her daughter, Ashwini Wickramasinghe, 4, her daughter, Rinyana Wickramasinghe, 2, and her two-month-old daughter, Kelly Wickramasinghe. Police say a family friend, Ge Gamini Amarakoon, 40, was also killed.
Sri Lanka’s High Commission says it is in touch with family members in the country’s capital of Colombo.
Ottawa police say Febrio De-Zoysa, 19, has been charged with six counts of first degree murder and one count of attempted murder. Investigators say he is a student, was an acquaintance of the family and was living in the home at the time.
“This was a senseless act of violence, perpetrated on purely innocent people,” Chief Eric Stubbs said in a news conference.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has issued the following statement:
“I was devastated to learn of the multiple homicide in Barrhaven, one of the most shocking incidents of violence in our city’s history. We are proud to live in a safe community but this news is distressing to all Ottawa residents. Ginny and I are thinking of the family members and neighbours of the victims. Thank you to our emergency responders who are investigating and supporting those who are affected by this terrible event.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is also expressing condolences.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also commented on the tragedy, during a news conference Thursday.
“Obviously our first reactions are all ones of shock and horror at this terrible violence. We are expecting that the community reaches out to support family and friends as Canadians always do, and we expect the police of jurisdiction to be doing the work and keeping us all informed of this terrible tragedy.”
Ottawa Catholic District School Board is encouraging anyone in need of support to reach out.
We would like to extend our deepest condolences to all who may be affected by the tragic events in Barrhaven.
Ottawa Public Health says anyone who needs support can access resources for help on its website.
Anyone with information on the tragedy is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5493. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.
source & photo :CityNews
