Ottawa Barrhaven massacre: Newborn baby among 6 slaughtered with ‘edged weapon’ as teen, 19, charged

Police have charged a 19-year-old with six counts of murder after five members of the same family were massacred in ‘the largest murder in recent memory’ in the Barrhaven suburb of Ottawa, Canada’s capital

Investigators at the scene in the Barrhaven suburb of Ottawa (

Image: Canadian Press/REX/Shutterstock)

The youngest victim in the Ottawa ‘massacre’ which killed four adults and two children was a two-and-a-half month old girl, police have revealed in a major update tonight.

A 19-year old male, Febrio De-Zoysa, a Sri Lankan national, has been charged with homicide. He was living at the home at the time, police say. Ottawa police confirmed THE youngest victim was two-and-a-half months old. The baby was born in Canada but the family were new to the country from Sri Lanka. Responding to a question from a reporter, police confirmed it is the largest murder in recent memory.

The victims have been identified as mum Darshani Banbaranayake Gama Walwwe Darshani Dilanthika Ekanyake, 35, and her children seven-year-old boy Inuka Wickramasingher, four year-old-daughter Ashwini, two-year-old Rinyana and two-and-a-half month old Kelly.

READ MORE: Inside boarded-up house of horrors where boy, 17, was murdered and dismembered

Police Chief Eric Stubbs speaking to reporters (

Image:

Ottawa Police)

A sixth man, Amarakoonmubiayansela Ge Gamini Amarakoon, 40, was also found dead. The father and husband of the victims was found at the scene, and was injured. He was rushed to hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs told reporters: “This was a senseless act of violence perpetrated on purely innocent people.”

He also confirmed a “knife-like object” was used for all the killings and the injury. Police say they have launched a “tragic and complex” investigation. They also confirmed they had no previous interaction with the suspect or the family.

Police were called to a home on Berrigan Drive in Barrhaven, an Ottawa suburb, where they found the grisly scene (

Image:

CTV News)

The shocking incident unfolded in the Barrhaven area of the Canadian capital of Ottawa with police called to the scene just before 11pm, local time. The police were first called to the scene to reports of the dad yelling in the street. “There is no ongoing threat to public safety,” Ottawa police say.

An update from the police read: “The Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit is investigating the deaths of six people who were found at an address on Berrigan Drive just before 11pm last night. One person has been arrested, and there is no ongoing threat to public safety.

“Police responded to 9-1-1 calls received at 10.52pm and located the six deceased – four children and two adults — inside the Barrhaven area residence. Identities of the deceased have not been confirmed at this time. This is a tragic and complex investigation, and investigative teams remain on Berrigan Drive.”

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Police officers talk to a neighbor near the scene of a homicide (

Image:

Canadian Press/REX/Shutterstock)

Speaking on CBC Radio’s Ottawa Morning he said: “This is a tragic file… and it will greatly impact the city of Ottawa, let alone the immediate neighbourhood in Barrhaven. So obviously we encourage everybody to reach out and get help to help manage themselves through this traumatic event.”

Police vehicles were parked outside a townhouse on Berrigan Drive with a large cordon blocking access to the back of the homes.

Anyone with information is being urged to call the Ottawa police homicide unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5493. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477, or at crimestoppers.ca.

The mayor of Ottawa, Mark Sutcliffe, said: “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.”

Local Barrhaven resident David Brose rushed to the scene after hearing the news early on Thursday morning. He told CBC: “I’m obviously in shock… it’s tough. I’m just in awe. I can’t believe it.”