Ottawa, Canada – A tragic and brutal incident unfolded in a suburban Ottawa neighborhood, leaving a community reeling in shock and sorrow. The scene outside a home in Barrhaven, Ottawa, was grim as police discovered the bodies of a mother, her four young children, and a family friend, the aftermath of a horrific and inexplicable attack.
The suspect, 19-year-old international student Febrio De-Zoysa, faces six charges of first-degree murder, making this case potentially the worst mass killing in Ottawa’s history, according to Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs. The violence was described as senseless, with a knife or other sharp object believed to have been used in the attack.
Among the victims were Darshani Ekanyake, 35, her seven-year-old son, Inuka Wickramasinghe, and her three daughters – four-year-old Ashwini, two-year-old Rinyana, and two-and-a-half-month-old Kelly. Additionally, a family friend, Amarakoonmubiayansela Ge Gemini Amarakoon, also lost his life in the tragic incident.
The surviving father, Dhanushka Wickramasinghe, who was also attacked, remains in the hospital with serious injuries but is expected to survive. The community, both in Canada and Sri Lanka, where the family is originally from, has been left devastated by the senseless act of violence.
As details emerged, it was revealed that De-Zoysa had been a student at Algonquin College, with the last semester of attendance in winter 2023. The college community mourned the tragedy and offered support to those affected by the horrific event.
Neighbors, friends, and community members expressed disbelief and grief as they tried to make sense of the tragedy. Vigils were held, and tributes of flowers, candles, and teddy bears were left in memory of the victims. The city of Ottawa, known for its safety and welcoming atmosphere, was left grappling with the unthinkable loss experienced by one of its neighborhoods.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working tirelessly to understand the motive behind the heinous act and provide justice for the victims. The tragedy has not only shaken the local community but has also sparked discussions about mental health, community support, and preventing such senseless acts of violence in the future.