An Ottawa courtroom witnessed a somber moment of justice on Wednesday as Febrio De-Zoysa, a 20-year-old former international student, formally admitted to the brutal murders of six people in one of the city's most devastating mass killings.
A Night of Unimaginable Violence
The horrific incident unfolded on March 6, 2024, at a suburban Barrhaven townhouse where De-Zoysa was residing as a boarder. What began as an ordinary evening ended in unimaginable tragedy when the young man unleashed a violent attack that claimed the lives of an entire family.
The victims included:
- 35-year-old Darshani Dilanthika Ekanayake
- Her husband, 40-year-old Dhanushka Wickramasinghe
- Their four children: seven-year-old Inuka, four-year-old Ashwini, three-year-old Ranaya, and two-month-old Kelly
Surviving Against All Odds
Amidst the carnage, one family member miraculously survived. The couple's eldest child, a young daughter who was also present during the attack, managed to escape with non-life-threatening injuries. Her survival stands as a testament to resilience in the face of unspeakable horror.
International Student Turned Killer
De-Zoysa, who originally came to Canada as an international student, had been living with the family he would ultimately destroy. The case has raised difficult questions about mental health support for international students and the warning signs that might have been missed.
Court documents reveal that the attack was carried out with a "knife-like weapon," though specific details of the motive remain sealed as part of the ongoing legal proceedings.
Community in Mourning
The Barrhaven community, typically known as a peaceful suburban neighborhood, was left reeling from the violence. Memorials sprung up throughout the area as residents struggled to comprehend how such brutality could touch their community.
"This case has left permanent scars on our city," said one local resident during the initial investigation. "We never imagined something this terrible could happen here."
Legal Proceedings Continue
While De-Zoysa's guilty plea brings some closure to the horrific case, the legal process continues. The court has ordered a psychiatric assessment, and sentencing is expected to follow in the coming months.
The case has prompted broader conversations about mental health resources, support systems for international students, and community safety measures across Canadian cities.
