Ottawa, Canada – The devastating tragedy in a suburb of Ottawa has left a community in shock after six members of a family from Sri Lanka, including an infant, were brutally killed. The Ottawa Police Service responded to a home in the 300 block of Berrigan Drive following multiple frantic 911 calls on Wednesday, March 6th.
Upon arrival, authorities discovered a man outside the residence in critical condition, who later identified as the husband and father of the victims. Inside the home, the bodies of his wife, four children, and an acquaintance were found. The victims have since been identified by authorities.
Sri Lanka’s High Commission has been in contact with family members in Colombo, the country’s capital, in the wake of the tragedy. A suspect, identified as Febrio De-Zoysa, 19, has been charged with six counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. De-Zoysa, a student who was living in the home at the time, allegedly used an edged weapon in the heinous act of violence.
The senseless killings have rocked Ottawa, with officials expressing condolences and offering support to the grieving community. Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe described the incident as “devastating,” while Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also conveyed their sympathies.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Ottawa Catholic District School Board has encouraged those in need of support to reach out for help. Additional resources and assistance are available through Ottawa Public Health for anyone affected by the heartbreaking events.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit, as investigations into the mass killing continue. The community remains in mourning as they come to terms with the loss of innocent lives in this tragic event.