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Two children and their father are dead in a double murder-suicide, according to the Ottawa Police Service.
Police say officers conducted a wellness check at a home on Mandevilla Crescent in Ottawa’s Findlay Creek neighbourhood at approximately 10 a.m.
“Tragically, two boys, aged 7 and 12, were found deceased,” police said.
“The investigation is ongoing and complex.”
The mother and father of the two children were divorced, according to Supt. Jamie Dunlop in a news conference Monday. The children are believed to be brothers and were found inside the father’s home.
A third-party who was not the mother contacted police to ask them to conduct the wellness check, he said.
“It was an individual who had a reason to go by the home to check on the condition of the house, was concerned when nobody answered the door and contacted police to come and do a wellness check,” Dunlop said.
Dunlop says officers will be conducting interviews with the mother, other relatives and friends. There are other children associated with the family, but police are confident “they’re all in good care at the moment.”
“Obviously its a very tragic incident for the families, the friends, the neighbours. Certainly when children are involved, it’s extra difficult to understand,” Dunlop said.
He says the father did not have “great contacts” with police. Police believe his death was a suicide and OPP is investigating.
Several Ottawa police officers were at a series of townhomes on Mandevilla Crescent Monday afternoon, with police tape surrounding at least three homes and a sidewalk.
Police say the man’s body was found inside a vehicle that was discovered on fire at a carpool lot along Highway 416 near Kemptville, Ont., on Monday morning.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are holding two scenes across eastern Ontario that are believed to be connected to the investigation: a business fire in Iroquois, Ont., Monday morning and the carpool lot.
OPP confirm officers responded to reports of a fire at a business inside a commercial plaza on County Road 2 in Iroquois at around 2 a.m. Monday.
The fire was extinguished and no injuries were reported. Police say an investigation into that fire is ongoing.
“Investigators are also working closely with the Ottawa Police Service in relation to an ongoing investigation that may have connections to this incident,” OPP said in a news release.
The carpool lot located along Highway 416 is approximately 35 kilometres south of the home where the two children were found. Iroquois is located 100 kilometres south of downtown Ottawa.
“Investigators continue to assess the connections between these incidents and do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public,” Ottawa police say.
Riverside South-Findlay Creek Coun. Steve Desroches said on social media, “I am shocked & deeply saddened to learn of the tragic deaths in Findlay Creek today, including 2 young children.”
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy & my thoughts are with the family & friends at this difficult time.”
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said it was “a very difficult day for our community.”
“I’m shocked and heartbroken to learn of the tragic deaths of two children in the south end of our city. There are no words to describe this immeasurable loss, my thoughts are with everyone grieving today, especially the family and their close friends. I encourage everyone who needs help to reach out for support,” Sutcliffe said on social media.
Police are asking for anyone with information to contact the Ottawa Police Service’s Homicide Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5943.
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If you or someone you know is in crisis, here are some resources that are available:
- Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline (Call or text 988)
- Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566 or text 45645)
- Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868)
- If you need immediate assistance, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
