A mother, her four young children, and a family friend have been identified as the victims of a mass killing at a suburban Ottawa home, city police say.
A Sri Lankan national faces six counts of first-degree murder in connection with their deaths, Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs said during a March 7 press conference. The 19-year-old male also faces one count of attempted murder for the stabbing of a seventh person, the husband and father of the victims. He was taken to hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.
The victims, which included a 2-month-old infant, were found stabbed to death in a Barrhaven townhouse at approximately 11 p.m. March 6, he said.
The victims were new to Ottawa from Sri Lanka, Chief Stubbs said, adding that police are attempting to notify their overseas family members.
The victims are:
- Darshani Banbaranayake Gama Walwwe Darshani Dilanthika Ekanyake, the 35-year-old mother of the children.
- Inuka Wickramasinghe, 7-year-old son.
- Ashwini Wickramasinghe, 4-year-old daughter.
- Rinyana Wickramasinghe, 2-year-old daughter.
- Kelly Wickramasinghe, 2-month-old daughter.
- Amarakoonmubiayansela Ge Gamini Amarakoon, 40, a family friend.
Chief Stubbs said officers responded to the Berrigan Drive home after receiving two 911 calls just before 11 p.m. March 6 reporting a man was “yelling and asking people to call 911.” He said the man shouting for help was the father and husband of the victims.
A suspect was identified at the scene and “was quickly arrested without incident,” he said. Febrio De-Zoysa has been charged in connection with the incident. The 19-year-old, who is believed to be a student in Canada staying at the home, is the “only suspect,” Chief Stubbs said.
“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,“ he said. ”I want to emphasize this was a senseless act of violence perpetrated on purely innocent people.”
Reaction
The suburb of Barrhaven is a fast−growing suburb roughly 20 kilometres south of the city’s downtown. The townhouse is located on Berrigan Drive, a busy through street located within a block of two different elementary schools.A spokesperson for the Catholic School Board confirmed two of the children attended Monsignor Paul Baxter School.
“Our deepest sympathies and sincerest condolences go to the families and loved ones of the victims during this incredibly challenging time. We cannot imagine the pain and sorrow they must be experiencing,” principal Vincenza Nicoletti wrote in a letter sent home with students.
“As a close-knit Catholic school community, we are here to support one another. Grief counselling and crisis support services will be available to students and staff affected by this tragedy over the next few days and as long as needed. Our priority is ensuring everyone receives the care and assistance they need.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the news a “terrible tragedy” during a press conference on an unrelated announcement.
“Our first reactions are all ones of shock and horror at this terrible violence,” he said. “We’re expecting that the community [will reach] 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.”
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said his thoughts were with the victims and community.
“Heartbroken to hear this horrific news out of Barrhaven this morning,” he said in a post on X. “My thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims and the entire community grieving this tragic loss.”
Premier Doug Ford also called the news “heartbreaking” in a social media post, saying his “thoughts are with the family and friends of the six victims and the entire Ottawa community who is reeling from this terrible tragedy.”
The city’s mayor, Mark Sutcliffe, emphasized there was no risk to the public.
“This news has shaken many residents throughout Ottawa,” he said during the news conference. “It is particularly troubling for me as a parent to hear the loss of four children of very young ages.”
“To the family and neighbours and friends of those immediately affected by this tragedy,” Mayor Sutcliffe added. “I want you to know that the entire city of Ottawa stands with you and our thoughts and our prayers extend to each and every one of you during this extremely difficult time.”
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
