Ottawa, Canada – A tragic incident has left residents of Barrhaven, a suburb of Ottawa, reeling as six people, including four young children, their mother, and a family acquaintance, were killed inside a townhouse on Wednesday night. The only survivor was the children’s father, who sustained injuries from the attack and was hospitalized. The victims were identified as a Sri Lankan newcomer family, with the father named Dhanushka Wickramasinghe and the mother as 35-year-old Darshani Dilanthika Ekanayake.
The community, along with members of Ottawa’s Sri Lankan community, is struggling to come to terms with the shocking and devastating mass killing. Many have expressed disbelief and sorrow over the tragic event, with Bhante Suneetha, a resident monk, describing the family as sweet and kind individuals. The community has come together in mourning, with residents holding candlelight vigils and creating makeshift memorials near the crime scene.
Police have revealed that the accused, 19-year-old Febrio De-Zoysa, is facing six first-degree murder charges and one count of attempted murder. De-Zoysa, a Sri Lankan international student, was living with the family at the time of the incident. The motive behind the killings remains unclear, leaving the community in shock and disbelief.
Friends and acquaintances of the family have described them as innocent and helpful, emphasizing the tragedy of their untimely deaths. The family had recently immigrated to Canada, with Dhanushka establishing himself as an Uber driver and starting a cleaning business. The community is rallying together to support the victims’ families, with plans for a candlelight vigil and fundraisers in honor of the deceased.
As details continue to emerge about the suspect and the circumstances surrounding the incident, residents are grappling with the lasting impact of the tragedy. The upcoming court proceedings and investigations will shed more light on the events that led to the mass killing, while the community mourns the loss of innocent lives. With funerals planned for the victims and ongoing support for the families, the community remains united in their grief and remembrance of those lost in this senseless act of violence.