'An absolutely gut wrenching story': community members and politicians react to news of Barrhaven homicides

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Published Mar 07, 2024 • Last updated 20 minutes ago • 5 minute read

Six people, including four children, were found dead late Wednesday at a home in Barrhaven. Photo by Tony Caldwell /Postmedia

Politicians, residents and community groups have taken to social media to express their condolences in the wake of multiple homicides in Barrhaven late Wednesday night.

Six people, including four children, were found dead late Wednesday at a home on Berrigan Drive, the Ottawa Police Service confirmed Thursday.

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The victims were a family of newcomers to Ottawa, originally from Sri Lanka, Ottawa police chief Eric Stubbs said at an afternoon press conference. He said Police have been working to alert their family members overseas.

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The victims are:

Darshani Banbaranayake Gama Walwwe Darshani Dilanthika Ekanyake, 35-year-old wife and mother.Inuka Wickramasinghe, seven-year-old son.Ashwini Wickramasinghe, four-year-old daughter.Rinyana Wickramasinghe, two- year-old daughter.Kelly Wickramasinghe, two-month-old daughter.Amarakoonmubiayansela Ge Gamini Amarakoon, 40-year-old acquaintance of the family.

The father and husband of the family was found injured at the scene. He remained in hospital in serious but stable condition as of mid-afternoon Thursday.

Nineteen-year-old Febrio De-Zoysa has been charged with six counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. He is from Sri Lanka and is believed to be in Canada as a student, Stubbs said, adding that he is the only suspect.

Mayor of Ottawa Mark Sutcliffe said on X, formerly known as Twitter, Thursday morning that he was “devastated” to learn about the multiple homicides, stating that it marked “one of the most shocking incidents of violence in our city’s history.”

“We are proud to live in a safe community but this news is distressing to all Ottawa residents,” Sutcliffe said. “Ginny and I are thinking of the family members and neighbours of the victims. Thank you to our emergency responders who are investigating and supporting those who are affected by this terrible event.”

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Wilson Lo, councillor for Ward 24 Barrhaven East, said in a post that he was “saddened and sorry” to learn of the news, adding that his “heart and mind” were with the family’s loved ones and neighbours.

Several other city representatives expressed their condolences on social media.

Matthew Luloff, councillor for Ward 1 Orléans East-Cumberland, said the loss of “innocent life” was “senseless and difficult to bear.”

“My heart aches for everyone affected by this incomprehensible crime,” Luloff said in a Facebook post, asking the public to refrain from speculation as a police investigation continued. “My thoughts are with all of those affected, and may the victims rest in peace.”

Councillor for Ward 14 Somerset Ariel Troster also shared thoughts on social media, encouraging the public to access resources and crisis lines if they were having trouble processing the incident.

“Like many of you, I am reeling from the horrible news out of Barrhaven this morning,” Troster said on Facebook. “Sending love and care to this family and to their neighbours and friends.”

The Youth Services Bureau Of Ottawa shared on social media how to access its crisis line and crisis chat, stating that it was “deeply saddened” by the tragic event.

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“This devastating news has touched us all, and our hearts go out to anyone affected by this tragedy,” the youth organization said on X. “During this challenging time, it’s important to remember that you are not alone.”

Ottawa Public Health also shared a list of community resources on its social media pages.

“This news is hard to see and you’ll likely be affected by this, perhaps even more than you’d expect,” the health department said. “Be sure to check in on each other. Ask someone how they’re doing. It will matter.”

Ottawa Catholic School Board posted on X that it wanted to express its “deep sorrow” for the “tragic events” that took place in the Barrhaven community.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected,” the post read. “As a Board, we will provide our students and staff with any assistance or support needed during this difficult time.”

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) also made public remarks, noting that additional resources from its mental health team had been deployed to support schools in the area.

“We would like to extend our deepest condolences to all who may be affected by the tragic events in Barrhaven,” the OCDSB said on X, adding that staff would be “extra sensitive” to the needs of students at this time, urging parents and children to contact their school if they were in need of support. “This incident will impact many in our community deeply.”

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commented on the incident when speaking with reporters after making a pharmacare announcement in Toronto on Thursday.

“Obviously our first reactions are all ones of shock and horror at this terrible violence,” Trudeau said. “We’re expecting that the community reaches out to support family and friends as Canadians always do and we expect the police jurisdiction to be doing the work and keeping us all informed of this terrible tragedy.”

Leader of the Official Opposition of Canada Pierre Poilievre said on X Thursday afternoon that he was “heartbroken” to the “horrific news” out of Barrhaven.

“My thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims and the entire community grieving this tragic loss,” Poilievre said.

Provincial politicians also reflected on the homicides, with Member of Provincial Parliament for Orléans Stephen Blais asking for a moment of silence in the Ontario Legislature Thursday morning.

“I am shocked and deeply saddened to read of this monstrous crime in our community,” Blais said on Facebook. “My heart goes out to the family and to the first responders who discovered this horror.”

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Premier Doug Ford said on X that the news was “heartbreaking.”

“My thoughts are with the family and friends of the six victims and the entire Ottawa community who is reeling from this terrible tragedy,” the premier said.

Lisa MacLeod, member of provincial Parliament of Ontario for Nepean, said in a post on X that her community had “woken up to shock, grief and tragedy.”

“There are no words for the heartbreak me and my neighbours feel for the surviving family, friends (and) playmates of the deceased,” MacLeod said, noting that she had already spoken to Ontario’s Solicitor General and the Ottawa Police chief. “May their memories be a blessing and may justice be served.”

Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party Bonnie Crombie said on X that she “can’t even begin to imagine what the community is going through.”

“An absolutely gut wrenching story,” Crombie said. “I am keeping the community of Barrhaven and the city of Ottawa in my thoughts as well as the family of the victims and everyone effected.”

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