The trio was found dead on Monday, June 29, following a weekend of police responding to calls concerning the children
Credit: CBC News: The National/Youtube
NEED TO KNOW
- Police believe the deaths of two boys and their father in Ottawa, Canada, were a double homicide-suicide
- A welfare check was requested by a third party after concerns about the father’s residence went unanswered on Monday, June 29
- Authorities are investigating connections to a vehicle fire and a business fire that occurred the same day
Two young boys and their father have died in an apparent murder-suicide in Canada's capital.
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) found two boys, ages 7 and 12, dead while conducting a welfare check at a residence in south Ottawa at around 10 a.m. local time on Monday, June 29, the OPS said in a release. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are holding two scenes in eastern Ontario that are believed to be connected to the deaths.
Earlier that day, a business in Iroquois, Ontario, had been found ablaze. A vehicle fire at a Kemptville carpool lot later led to the discovery of the boys' dead father.
“We do believe this was a double homicide-suicide at this moment,” said Supt. Jamie Dunlop in a news conference, per local outlet CTV News.
Credit: CTV News/Youtube
Dunlop revealed Monday's welfare check came after police officers responded to several calls involving the children over the weekend. According to local news outlet CP24, the parents of the two children were divorced.
A third party, who was not the boys' mother, requested the welfare check at the father's residence.
“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,” said Dunlop, per CP24.
He alleged that the father did not have “great contact” with police before the fatal incident, according to the outlet. Police are conducting interviews with the mother of the boys, other children and relatives amid their “ongoing and complex” investigation.
“Obviously it's a very tragic incident for the families, the friends, the neighbours. Certainly, when children are involved, it's extra difficult to understand,” said Dunlop, according to CP24.
Police are confident that other children "associated" with the family are “all in good care,” local news outlet CBC reported, citing Dunlop.
The identity of the dead children and father has not been shared publicly at this time.
"The deaths of two young children are an unimaginable tragedy, and our thoughts are with their loved ones, classmates, neighbors, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking loss," said an OPS spokesperson in a statement to PEOPLE.
Credit: CBC News: The National/Youtube
"We understand that incidents like this deeply impact the community and raise many questions. This remains an active and complex investigation, and we are working closely with our policing partners to understand the full circumstances," they continued.
"At this time, our priority is supporting the investigation, protecting the privacy of those impacted, and ensuring accurate information is shared as it becomes available," the spokesperson added. "We encourage anyone who is struggling with this news to reach out for support through family, friends, community resources, or professional services."
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe also expressed his condolences to those affected in a social media post.
“I'm shocked and heartbroken to learn of the tragic deaths of two children in the south end of our city,” Sutcliffe wrote on X. “There are no words to describe this immeasurable loss, my thoughts are with everyone grieving today, especially the family and their close friends.”
Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.
“I encourage everyone who needs help to reach out for support. This is a very difficult day for our community,” he concluded.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for further comment.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.
Read the full article here
