Two boys found dead in Ottawa home in suspected murder-suicide involving father
Ottawa police found two boys, aged 7 and 12, dead at a south Ottawa residence Monday. Their father was found dead in a burned vehicle in eastern Ontario hours earlier.
Two boys, 7 and 12, dead in Ottawa murder-suicide; father's body found in vehicle fire
Ottawa police are investigating a suspected murder-suicide after two young boys were discovered dead at a south Ottawa home on Monday, Global News Crime reports. The children's father had been found dead hours earlier inside a burned vehicle in eastern Ontario.
Officers were called to a residence on Mandevilla Crescent at approximately 10 a.m. following a third-party wellness check request. They found two boys, aged seven and 12, deceased at the scene.
The Ottawa Police Service homicide unit is leading the investigation. Authorities said next-of-kin notifications are underway and the identities of the children are not being released.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are assisting by securing two locations believed to be connected to the case: a business fire in Iroquois, Ont., earlier Monday, and a vehicle fire reported shortly after 5:30 a.m. at the Kemptville carpool lot near Highway 416 and Rideau River Road. The body of an adult male — identified as the children's father — was recovered from the burned vehicle.
Ottawa police Supt. Jamie Dunlop, speaking to reporters Monday afternoon, said investigators believe the two boys were brothers.
"From the trauma and evidence I can clearly say it was a double homicide," Dunlop said. "We believe it was a double homicide-suicide."
Dunlop said the boys were found at what investigators believe was their father's home, and that authorities also believe the father died by suicide. Police are working with the OPP to establish the chronology of events across the multiple scenes.
"The death of the deceased will give us the big picture," Dunlop said.
Investigators plan to interview the children's mother and other relatives as the investigation continues. Dunlop confirmed there are other children in the family who were not involved. Police said the investigation is complex and spans multiple scenes in eastern Ontario.
"Obviously it's a tragic incident for the family, friends and neighbours," Dunlop said. "When children are involved, it's extra difficult to understand."
Authorities said there is no indication of any ongoing threat to public safety.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service homicide unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5493. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers.
Source: Global News Crime