Skip to main content

Father, two daughters dead in Gatineau, Que. murder-suicide

Share
OTTAWA -

Gatineau police say the deaths of a father and his two young children at an Aylmer, Que. home were a double murder-suicide.

Officers were sent to the home on Rue Dunkerque just after 2 p.m. Wednesday to carry out a "well-being check."

The bodies of a 51-year-old man and two girls, ages three and five, were found inside the home. 

In a statement Thursday afternoon, police say investigators have concluded that the two girls were victims of a homicide, and the father had taken his own life.  Police said the daughters showed no signs of violence. 

The victims have been identified as three-year-old Orli Kpatcha and five-year-old Liel Kpatcha.  Police identified the father as 51-year-old Essodom Kpatcha.

A police spokesperson told CTV News Ottawa on Thursday investigators suspected a "family drama" was linked to the deaths.

Neighbours say they're shocked by the tragedy on the quiet residential street.

"When I heard that the two girls died, I kind of freaked out," said Nicholas Chartier. "You know it's kids, it's hard to see kids dying. I think everybody in the neighbourhood was in shock."

One neighbour said the father had just moved into the neighbourhood a couple of months ago.

Rue Dunkerque was closed for the investigation but has reopened, Gatineau police said Thursday.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

BREAKING

BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Stay Connected