In a devastating turn of events, six Sri Lankan nationals, including children and a baby girl, were brutally stabbed to death in Ottawa, Canada, allegedly by a 19-year-old Sri Lankan student named Febrio De-Zoysa. The incident occurred on Thursday, March 7th, leaving the community reeling in shock and horror.
According to Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs, the victims, who had recently immigrated to Canada, included a 35-year-old mother, her 7-year-old son, 4-year-old daughter, 2-year-old daughter, the baby girl, and a 40-year-old acquaintance of the family. Tragically, the youngest victim was only two and a half months old.
The suspect, Febrio De-Zoysa, was swiftly apprehended by authorities and has been charged with six counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. Police reported that an “edged weapon” or a “knife-like object” was used in the attack.
The grim scene was discovered by officers responding to emergency calls just before 11 p.m. Wednesday. The father of the family, who survived the attack with serious injuries, was found outside the home, desperately calling for help.
Sri Lanka’s high commission expressed its condolences and stated that it is in contact with relatives of the victims in Colombo, the country’s capital.
During a brief court appearance, De-Zoysa was ordered not to communicate with the surviving father or other witnesses. His case was adjourned until March 13th to allow time for legal representation.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe both conveyed their shock and sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the senseless nature of the violence and its profound impact on the community.
The victims were identified as Darshani Banbaranayake Gama Walwwe Darshani Dilanthika Ekanyake (the mother), Inuka Wickramasinghe (7-year-old boy), Ashwini Wickramasinghe (4-year-old daughter), Rinyana Wickramasinghe (2-year-old daughter), Kelly Wickramasinghe (2 1/2-month-old baby girl), and Amarakoonmubiayansela Ge Gamini Amarakoon (40-year-old acquaintance). Their names serve as a poignant reminder of the lives tragically lost in this horrific incident.
As investigations continue and the community grapples with the aftermath, support and solidarity pour in for the grieving families, underscoring the need for compassion and unity in the face of such senseless violence.
Comments