In a horrifying incident that has shocked the community, six individuals, including a mother, her four young children, and a family acquaintance, were found dead inside a townhouse in the south Ottawa suburb of Barrhaven late Wednesday night. Ottawa police Chief Eric Stubbs provided an update on the case during a media briefing on Thursday afternoon.

According to Chief Stubbs, two calls were made to 911 around 10:52 p.m. on Wednesday, prompting a swift response from first responders who arrived at the home on Berrigan Drive near Palmadeo Drive. The victims have been identified as a family of newcomers to Canada from Sri Lanka, and police have charged 19-year-old Febrio De-Zoysa, a Sri Lankan national believed to be a student in Canada, with six counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. De-Zoysa, who was an acquaintance of the family and living in the residence at the time, was arrested at the scene, approximately 15 kilometers south of Ottawa's downtown core.

Chief Stubbs emphasized that the tragedy was "a senseless act of violence perpetrated on purely innocent people" and expressed his condolences to the grieving loved ones. The police had never encountered the suspect or the family before and had not been called to the address prior to the incident.

As the investigation continues, a vigil has been established at nearby Palmadeo Park, with authorities urging the public to steer clear of the crime scene. Ottawa police confirmed that there is no ongoing risk to public safety.

The local community has been deeply affected by this shocking event. Palmadeo Park's school principal, Vincenza Nicoletti, expressed sympathy and announced that grief counseling and crisis support will be available for both students and staff. In an effort to handle the situation sensitively, details regarding the incident have not been disclosed to the students at this time.

Neighbors recounted the frightening scene that unfolded before their eyes. Shanti Ramesh, who resides across the street from the townhouse, witnessed a man screaming and was later informed by the police that he was the father of the family. Ramesh, like many others, expressed her disbelief and numbness regarding the tragedy.

This incident has been deemed the worst mass killing in Ottawa's recent history. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, upon learning about the incident, conveyed his sorrow and encouraged the community to support the affected families and friends during this challenging time.

During the update, Chief Stubbs disclosed that an "edged weapon" had been used in the homicides. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are tirelessly working to uncover further details surrounding this heartbreaking incident.