Foreign media reports indicate that the last rites for the Sri Lankan family tragically killed in a mass murder are scheduled to take place this weekend.
Darshani Ekanayake, 35, along with her children Inuka (7), Ashwini (4), Ranya (3), and two-and-a-half-month-old Kelly, who was born in Canada, were brutally murdered by the assailant. Additionally, Gamini Amarakon (40), who was present in the house at the time, also fell victim to the attack.
Dhanushka Wickramasinghe, the father of the family, miraculously survived the assault and is currently undergoing treatment in the hospital. His father and a brother have since arrived in Canada to support him during this difficult time.
The suspect in this horrific crime, 19-year-old Febrio de Soyza, made a brief appearance in an Ottawa court, facing charges of six counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. He appeared in court via telephone and is currently in protective custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 28.
Evan Little, the accused’s lawyer, informed reporters that de Soyza’s family is deeply disappointed, but he is reportedly doing well while in remand. Little declined to comment on whether a mental health assessment of the suspect is anticipated and mentioned that it could take several months to complete.
Fabrio de Soyza, believed to be a Sri Lankan student in Canada, last attended classes at Algonquin College in the winter of 2023. The motive for the killings remains undisclosed by the police.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe condemned the brutal act, labeling it as “one of the most shocking acts of violence in the city’s history.” The entire community mourns the loss of the innocent victims and stands in solidarity with the surviving family members during this period of immense grief.
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