OTTAWA, Ontario — A horrifying and unexplained attack in a suburban Ottawa home left six people dead, including a mother, her four young children, and a family friend. Authorities discovered the bodies covered in blood at the scene. Nineteen-year-old international student Febrio De-Zoysa, who had been living with the family, has been charged with six counts of first-degree murder.
Ottawa police Chief Eric Stubbs described the tragedy as a “senseless act of violence” against innocent individuals. He revealed that a knife or some other edged weapon was used in the attack. De-Zoysa, a Sri Lankan national, was studying in Canada and now also faces one count of attempted murder in connection with the surviving father.
During his appearance in an Ottawa courtroom, De-Zoysa remained silent as the justice of the peace ordered him not to speak to the surviving father or the four witnesses who provided statements to the police. The case has been adjourned until March 13 to allow De-Zoysa time to find legal representation.
The victims have been identified as Darshani Ekanyake and her children: seven-year-old Inuka Wickramasinghe, four-year-old Ashwini, two-year-old Rinyana, and two-and-a-half-month-old Kelly. Amarakoonmubiayansela Ge Gemini Amarakoon, a 40-year-old family friend living with them, was also killed. The surviving father, Dhanushka Wickramasinghe, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The incident took place in Barrhaven, a rapidly growing suburb south of Ottawa’s downtown core. Police received two emergency calls late Wednesday night reporting a distressed man screaming for help in his driveway. Upon arrival, they quickly identified and arrested De-Zoysa before discovering the victims inside the townhome.
The investigation remains ongoing, limiting the information the police can release. Chief Stubbs assured the public that their homicide unit is diligently working to uncover the motive behind this tragic crime. Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka high commission is in contact with family members of the deceased in the capital city of Colombo.
The shocking incident has left the community in disbelief. Neighbors expressed their horror and grief as they witnessed the police presence and the bodies being carried out of the residence. The Ottawa Catholic School Board offered support to any students or staff who may have known the family.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford both expressed their condolences, describing the incident as a terrible tragedy. While the motive behind the attack remains unknown, the community of Barrhaven and the city of Ottawa are determined to support each other through this difficult time.