Ottawa Police Arrest 19-Year-Old Suspect in Tragic Multiple Homicide Case

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
07/03/2024 21h11

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Ottawa Police announced on Thursday that a 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the deaths of two adults and four children in a house located in the southern part of the Canadian capital. The authorities have described the investigation as "tragic and complex."

The young suspect, identified as Febrio Dezoysa, has been charged with six counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder, according to a statement released by the Ottawa Police on Thursday. Dezoysa, believed to be a Sri Lankan national studying in Canada, was swiftly apprehended after the incident, and the police have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.

One of the adult victims has been identified as 35-year-old Darshani Banbaranayake Gama Walwwe Darshani Dilanthika Ekanyake. Her husband, who was also injured, is currently in stable condition at the hospital. Alongside the adult victims, the couple's four children, aged between 2 months and 7 years old, were tragically found deceased. The other adult victim has been identified as Amarakoonmubiayansela Ge Gamini Amarakoon, aged 40.

The exact method of the victims' deaths has not been disclosed as of yet, but the Ottawa mayor has referred to the case as a "multiple homicide." The victims have been confirmed as a family of Sri Lankan nationals, as reported by Sri Lanka's high commission in Ottawa. The high commission is currently in contact with the victims' relatives in Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka.

Authorities are working to establish the relationship between the suspect and the victims. Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs has stated that they do not believe the incident stemmed from domestic or intimate partner violence. However, the investigation is still ongoing.

Neighbours have expressed their shock and disbelief at the tragic event. Don Perera, a neighbour, mentioned that he had met the family at a Halloween party last year and that the father was originally from Sri Lanka. Another neighbour, Shanti Ramesh, witnessed a commotion and saw a man yelling on the driveway before police officers arrived to apprehend him.

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, deeply saddened by the incident, described it as one of the most shocking acts of violence in the city's history. He reassured residents that Ottawa is a safe community, but acknowledged the distressing impact of the news.

In light of the investigation, authorities are urging any individuals or businesses in the vicinity to come forward with any surveillance, doorbell, or dashcam footage that could aid in the case. The search for evidence is reminiscent of a recent incident in Canada, where a man was arrested after the discovery of three deceased children and two women in separate locations.

As investigators delve deeper into this heartbreaking case, the Ottawa community mourns the loss of six innocent lives and hopes for justice to prevail.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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