A man Ottawa police say beat his wife into critical condition with a baseball bat has been found dead on a west Ottawa walking trail.
Police say a man called them to 64 Hartsmere Drive in Stittsville around 9:40 a.m. Wednesday, saying he had beaten his wife.
Neighbours say Peter and Theresa Lefebvre lived in the home and were going through a difficult divorce.
A massive search for the caller ended with Peter Lefebvre's body being found on an NCC walking trail seven kilometres away. It appeared he had killed himself.
Police say Theresa Lefebvre was found inside the home and is in hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Their two boys, ages 12 and 15, are reportedly in the care of other family members.
Neighbours said Peter was a well-known hockey coach in the area who had moved into their community about three years ago.
However, the home was recently put up for sale.
"It just makes me very sad, " said Trish Alisch. "I'm a social worker, I know it happens all the time, but when it's somebody around you and you see it, it's very sad."
The Ottawa police's partner assault unit is investigating.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Catherine Lathem