Two adults, four children found dead in Barrhaven, homicide unit investigating

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The homicide unit is investigating after six people were found dead in Barrhaven, a suburb of Ottawa.

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) responded to a home in the 300 block of Berrigan Drive around 11 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6 where the bodies of two adults and four children were located.

A seventh person was taken to hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries.

The identities of the victims have not been released, but Sri Lanka’s high commission in Ottawa confirms the family were Sri Lankan nationals.

The commission says a man survived, but his wife and children were killed in the tragedy, and it is in touch with family members in the country’s capital of Colombo.

Police chief Eric Stubbs referred to the case as a “mass shooting” earlier today, but OPS tells CityNews Ottawa he misspoke.

One person has been taken into custody and police say there is no further threat to the public.

Police are still working to identify the relationship between the suspects and victims, but said this does not appear to be a case of domestic or intimate partner violence.    

The OPS homicide unit is taking over the investigation and you can expect an increased police presence in the area today.

“This is a tragic and complex investigation, and investigative teams remain on Berrigan Drive,” said the OPS in a social media post.

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has issued the following statement:

“I was devastated to learn of the multiple homicide in Barrhaven, 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. 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.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is also expressing condolences.

This morning’s news is 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. https://t.co/nepp9OKLKw

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) March 7, 2024

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also commented on the tragedy, during a news conference Thursday.

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

Ottawa Catholic District School Board is encouraging anyone in need of support to reach out.

We would like to extend our deepest condolences to all who may be affected by the tragic events in Barrhaven.

This incident will impact many in our community deeply. Additional resources from the OCDSB mental health team have been deployed to support schools in the area. (1/2)

— OCDSB (@OCDSB) March 7, 2024

Ottawa Public Health says anyone who needs support can access resources for help on its website.

Anyone with information on the tragedy is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5493. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.

Ottawa police are expected to provide an update on the investigation at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. You will be able to watch it here live.