Ottawa, Canada – A tragic incident in the suburb of Ottawa has left a family of newcomers from Sri Lanka devastated. Ottawa police identified six victims, including an infant, who were found dead in a home on Berrigan Drive after a man was heard shouting for help outside the residence.
The victims have been named as Darshani Banbaranayake Hama Walwwe Darshani Dilanthika Ekanyake, Inuka Wickramasinghe, Ashwini Wickramasinghe, Rinyana Wickramasinghe, Kelly Wickramasinghe, and Amarakoonmubiayansela Ge Gamini Amarakoon. The high commission of Sri Lanka is providing support to the family members in Colombo.
A suspect, Febrio De-Zoysa, 19, has been charged with six counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. It was reported that the suspect was a student and an acquaintance of the family living in the same residence at the time of the incident. The police confirmed that an edged weapon was used in the tragic killings.
Chief Eric Stubbs described the act as “senseless violence” during a news conference, expressing shock and horror over the events. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Ontario Premier Doug Ford also extended their condolences to the victims’ families and the Ottawa community, emphasizing the rarity of such events in the city.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also addressed the tragedy, urging the community to support each other in this difficult time and praising the response of the police. The Ottawa Catholic District School Board offered support to those in need, while Ottawa Public Health provided resources for anyone requiring assistance.
Residents are encouraged to come forward with information related to the incident by contacting the Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers to aid in the investigation and provide justice for the victims. This heartbreaking event has deeply impacted the community, highlighting the need for compassion and unity during times of tragedy.