Four kids, two adults found dead inside two-storey house in Canada’s Ottawa, homicide unit investigates

In the Ottawa suburb of Barrhaven, four children and two adults were found dead inside a two-storey townhouse on Berrigan Drive late Wednesday night (March 6). Ottawa police responded to 911 calls just before 11 pm, leading to one arrest.

Police have identified five of the victims as members of a Sri Lankan family who recently immigrated to Canada.

They include Darshani Banbaranayake Gama Walwwe Darshani Dilanthika Ekanyake (35), Inuka Wickramasinghe (7), Ashwini Wickramasinghe (4), Rinyana Wickramasinghe (2), and Kelly Wickramasinghe (2 months). Ekanyake’s husband sustained injuries and is currently hospitalised in stable condition. Another victim, 40-year-old Amarakoonmubiayansela Ge Gamini Amarakoon, was also killed, as reported by CBC News.

Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs told the Ottawa Citizen that the homicide is not believed to be an incident of domestic violence. However, the investigation is still in its early stages, with the Ottawa Police Homicide Unit leading the efforts. 

Police officials informed reporters later on Thursday (March 7) that an “edged weapon” was used in the homicides. In a previous interview on CBC News Network, officials initially characterised the incident as a “mass shooting,” which later proved inaccurate. 

The incident has deeply affected the city of Ottawa, prompting Mayor Mark Sutcliffe to express shock and sorrow. Support is being extended to affected family members and neighbours, with emergency responders actively involved in investigating and aiding those impacted.

Public officials and community leaders, including Barrhaven East Coun. Wilson Lo and Nepean MPP Lisa Macleod, have expressed their condolences and support for those affected by the tragedy.

(More information to follow)

(With inputs from agencies)