A father and his two children are dead in a suspected murder-suicide in the Quebec community of Kitigan Zibi, according to police.
Emergency crews responded to a call at a home on Kichi Mikan Street in Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg at 2:15 a.m. Wednesday.
The Sûreté du Québec said one person was pronounced dead at the scene, and two others found injured at the home were pronounced dead at the hospital.
“At this stage of the investigation, we can confirm that a 41-year-old father allegedly killed his two children, aged 10 and 12, before taking his own life,” Sgt. Nancy Fournier told CTV News Ottawa in an email.
“According to the evidence gathered so far, the events appear to have been carried out with a firearm.”
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Chief Jean-Guy Whiteduck identified the father as Randy Tolley.
“He lived outside for a period of time also, but I don’t know a lot about his personal life. I would be in a difficult position to really make any comment,” Whiteduck told CTV News Ottawa. “I know he had some issues with the law in the past.”
“We are deeply hurt,” Whiteduck said. “The fact that two children with their life ahead of them are lost. There was not much we could do to help because we were not signalled. There was no signal put out that there was a problem, that there was a social issue that led to this unfortunate incident.”
The Sûreté du Québec will lead the investigation into the deaths in collaboration with local police.
Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement on the deaths of three people.
“Our prayers are with the victims and all those who loved them,” Carney said in a post on X.
“Our government officials are in contact with local authorities to ensure the people of the community receive every support we can provide following this heartbreaking loss.”
Gatineau MP and Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon expressed condolences to the community.
“It’s just an unbelievable thing to wake up to. I know that community very well,” MacKinnon told reporters on Parliament Hill.
“My thoughts go out to the chief, all the members of that community. To lose two children like that is just an unbelievable thing.”
In a statement on Facebook, the Kitigan Zibi Police Service said the victims are three members of the community.
“Please keep Kitigan Zibi in your prayers,” police said.
Chief Whiteduck says supports are being made available to community members who are shaken by the tragedy.
“The community is there and we’re really encouraging the community to stand together, stand strong and support each other in these difficult times,” Whiteduck said.
Kitigan Zibi is located 148 kilometres north of downtown Ottawa.
Quebec Premier François Legault said on social media he was “deeply shaken” by the deaths in Kitigan Zibi.
“To the Anishinaabe Nation, to the families and loved ones of the victims, I offer my most heartfelt thoughts during these difficult times,” Legault said in a post on X.
