Murder-suicide investigation underway in Ottawa after 2 children found dead

Warning: This story contains discussion of suicide. Discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In Canada, call or text 988 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline. In case of an emergency, please call 911 for immediate help.

Ottawa police are investigating a suspected murder-suicide after two young boys were found dead in a south Ottawa home on Monday and their father was found dead hours earlier in a vehicle fire in eastern Ontario.

Authorities say officers were called to a residence on Mandevilla Crescent at about 10 a.m. after a third party requested a wellness check.

Police found two boys, aged seven and 12, dead.

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.

Police said the investigation is complex and involves multiple scenes in eastern Ontario.

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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.

Investigators said the body of an adult male was found in the burned vehicle. Police identified him as the children’s father.

Speaking to reporters Monday afternoon, Ottawa police Supt. Jamie Dunlop said investigators believe the 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.”

Police said investigators are examining the deaths as a murder-suicide and are looking at the connections between the Ottawa homicide investigation and the death in eastern Ontario.

Dunlop said the boys were found at what investigators believe was their father’s home. He said police also believe the father died by suicide, but authorities are working with the OPP to establish the chronology of the events.

“The death of the deceased will give us the big picture,” he said.

Police said investigators will interview the children’s mother and other relatives as the investigation continues. Dunlop said there are other children in the family, but they were not involved.

“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 an 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 also be submitted through Crime Stoppers.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, resources are available. In case of an emergency, please call 911 for immediate help.

For immediate mental health support, call 988. For a directory of support services in your area, visit the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention at suicideprevention.ca.

Learn more about preventing suicide with these warning signs and tips on how to help.

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