The police arrested a 19 year old, with six counts of first degree murder of 4 children and 2 adults. The accused is a Sri Lankan national who is believed to have been in Canada as a student. The investigation has found that an edged weapon was used to cause the deaths and injuries. To be clear, this was a mass killing not a mass shooting.
OTTAWA, ON: A ruthless incident of violence shook the entire Ottawa community this week. Six people – including four children and two adults were found dead inside a home in suburban Ottawa of Barrhaven in what police called a “mass killing”. The youngest member of the family was just two and half month old.
The victims were a family of newcomers to Ottawa, originally from Sri Lanka. The city’s mayor called it one of the “most shocking” cases of violence in Ottawa’s history.
The police arrested 19-year-old Febrio De-Zoysa on the scene for the alleged killings. De-Zoysa, police informed, is also a Sri Lankan national who is believed to have been in Canada as a student.
During a media briefing, Ottawa police Chief Eric Stubbs said there were initially two calls to 911 around 10:52 p.m. Wednesday from the Berrigan Dr. area reporting a suspicious incident where a man was yelling for help asking people to call 911.
As multiple units began to arrive, officers identified a suspect who was quickly arrested without incident. Paramedics were also called and began to arrive.
At about 10:52 p.m. yesterday the Ottawa Police Service received two 911 calls from the Berrigan Dr. area reporting a suspicious incident where a man was yelling for help asking people to call 911.
Officers entered the home to check on the safety of those inside and that is where they began to discover the six victims, the youngest of which is less than three months old.
“The family are newcomers to Canada and are originally from Sri Lanka. A man, who is the father and husband of the victims was found at scene and was injured. He was taken to hospital where he remains in serious but stable condition,” Stubbs said.
The deceased are: 35 year old Darshani Banbaranayake Gama Walwwe Darshani Dilanthika Ekanyake. She is the mother of the children. Their seven year old son Inuka Wickramasinghe. Their four year old daughter Ashwini Wickramasinghe. Their two year old daughter Rinyana Wickramasinghe. And their two and a half month old daughter Kelly Wickramasinghe. 40 year old Ge Gamini Amarakoon who is an acquaintance of the family who has been living at the home was also found dead. He recently arrived in Canada.
“The investigation has found that an edged weapon was used to cause the deaths and injuries. To be clear, this was a mass killing not a mass shooting,” he said.
The police arrested a 19 year old male with six counts of first degree murder and one count of attempted murder. The accused is a Sri Lankan national who is believed to have been in Canada as a student.
“We know there are a lot of questions about why this tragedy occurred. This is the focus of our homicide unit as they diligently investigate this tragic crime. Our investigators and Forensic teams are working very hard to determine all of the facts and ensure justice is done. But that also means we must maintain the integrity of the investigation for court. I want to emphasize that this was a senseless act of violence perpetrated on purely innocent people,” he said.
Politicians and community members expressed their shock at this harrowing incident. The messages of condolence poured in.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commented on the incident when speaking with reporters after making a pharmacare announcement in Toronto on Thursday.
“Obviously our first reactions are all ones of shock and horror at this terrible violence,” Trudeau said. “We’re expecting that the community reaches out to support family and friends as Canadians always do and we expect the police jurisdiction to be doing the work and keeping us all informed of this terrible tragedy.”
“Sad to hear the shocking mass shooting in Barrhaven. Ottawa and Nepean are safe communities. Had conversation with the Ottawa Chief of Police Eric Stubbs who confirmed there is no risk to public safety. My thoughts and prayers are with the surviving family members,” shared MP Chandra Arya on Platform X.
