Police in Ottawa have identified the three victims in a double murder-suicide in nearby Stittsville, Ont. that’s shocked the quiet community.
Police said Tuesday the bodies of 10-year-old Jon Alexander Corchis and six-year-old Katheryn Elizabeth Corchis, along with Alison Constance Easton, 40, were discovered inside their home.
Charges are not expected to be laid, police said, “due to the circumstances.”
A cause of death is expected to be revealed after the bodies of the victims are examined. Autopsies on the bodies will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Insp. John Maxwell told reporters on Tuesday that investigators will be speaking to friends and family of the victims in the coming days.
“This might seem like a cut-and-dry file; not necessarily,” said Maxwell. “That’s why we want to talk to a lot of people and find out if they saw anything along the way. We’re always looking for the prevention of the next tragedy.”
The bodies were discovered on Monday evening when the children’s father returned to his Stittsville home, located about 30 kilometres west of Ottawa.
Maxwell said the father spoke to investigators Monday night.
“He was completely and totally devastated,” he said. “It’s horrific, it’s everyone’s worst nightmare.”
Greif counsellors were called in to Stittsville Public School on Tuesday along with parent volunteers and extra supply teachers.
Residents in the Ottawa suburb said the two young children were well-known in the area.
Neighbour Tonya Marczak's daughter was good friend's with the youngest victim, who had a birthday party last weekend.
"They just spent Saturday sledding, and another play date Sunday," Marczak said. "They were very, very close, so it’s very heartbreaking to hear she won’t be able to play with her anymore."
Neighbours also say Easton led a neighbourhood watch program.
"She was nice, she was nice, and the kids were wonderful," Marczak said.
Babysitter Emily Bureau said Katie loved to play dress-up, and Alex was a bright child.
Mourners stopped by the home on Tuesday, leaving flowers, cards and stuffed animals on the driveway.
The Ottawa Police Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation.
With files from CTV's Claudia Cautillo
