The alleged perpetrator of the mass killing that occurred Wednesday evening in Ottawa is a 19-year-old student who was staying with the victims. The real carnage cost the lives of six people, including a 2-month-old baby.
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At a press conference held early this afternoon, Ottawa police released the identities of the people found dead inside a single-family residence in the peaceful Barrhaven neighborhood.
Mother Darshani Banbaranayake Gama Walwwe Darshani Dilanthika Ekanyake, 35, was found alongside her four children, Inuka, 7, Ashwini, 4, Rinyana, 2, and little Kelly, aged just 2 and a half months . The sixth victim is Ge Gamini Amarakoon, 40, an acquaintance of the family who was temporarily living with them. They are all nationals of Sri Lanka, authorities confirmed.
The children’s father survived the tragedy. He even shouted “help” for his neighbors to call 911, a little before 11 p.m. Wednesday.
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The suspect in this case is 19-year-old Febrio De-Zoysa. Recently arrived in Canada, he was a student. The young man is charged with six counts of first degree murder and another count of attempted murder. He remains detained until his next appearance.
“He lived at home with the family,” Eric Stubbs, Ottawa police chief, revealed Thursday afternoon to numerous media.
He was taken to the hospital after the crime for non-life-threatening injuries.
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A bladed weapon
The police chief mentioned that a sharp weapon had been used to commit this carnage. Authorities also said Febrio De-Zoysa had no criminal history or medical records regarding his mental health in Canada.
“I was devastated to learn of the multiple murders in Barrhaven, one of the most shocking incidents of violence in our city’s history,” Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said Thursday.
Patricia Ferguson, deputy chief of the Ottawa Police Service, confirmed that it was one of the worst killings the city has seen in 30 years.
“He was screaming”
On the spot, The newspaper spoke with a neighbor who saw a man screaming in front of the house where the carnage took place.
Four children and two adults were killed in this residence in Ottawa Wednesday evening.
Photo Guillaume St-Pierre
“I was on my balcony and I saw a lot of police cars. The man was yelling in a language I didn’t understand and it was too loud. […] In general, it is safe here. It’s a major tragedy,” says Shanti Ramish, who has lived in the area for 15 years.
The Ottawa police chief quickly emphasized Thursday morning that it was not a tragedy linked to domestic violence or intimate partner violence.
“This is a tragic and complex investigation, and investigative teams remain on Berrigan Drive,” said Eric Stubbs.
Rain of reactions
Ottawa reminded its citizens that “mental health support” was available for its citizens troubled by this sordid story.
“Take the time to take stock. Be honest about how you feel. Remember that it is completely normal to be upset by such events,” the City wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Photo Guillaume St-Pierre / JdeM
Several politicians commented on the killing Thursday. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, said “the news this morning is heartbreaking.”
“Horrible news of a shooting involving children. Canadians mourn together such a senseless act,” lamented Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP).