The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) has acknowledged making mistakes in communicating key information following the tragic mass killing of a mother, her four children, and a family acquaintance in Barrhaven, a south Ottawa suburb. The incident, which occurred on March 6, 2024, marked one of the city’s worst mass killings in recent memory.
A 19-year-old man, Febrio De-Zoysa, who was living with the family, has been charged with six counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder.
Amidst the unfolding tragedy, OPS faced criticism for referring to the incident as a “mass shooting,” despite no firearms being involved. Further errors included repeatedly misspelling victims’ names and misidentifying the accused.
Chief Eric Stubbs erroneously referred to the killings as a “mass shooting” during a live interview and misidentified the suspect as “Frank D’Souza” before the correct individual was charged. Additionally, OPS issued multiple emails to correct inaccuracies in the victims’ names, indicating the challenges faced in disseminating accurate information during a rapidly evolving investigation.
OPS attributed these errors to the complexity of homicide investigations and the fast-paced nature of communication during such events. They emphasized the involvement of multiple sources in collating information but admitted to receiving incorrect data.
However, the lapses in communication drew criticism from experts, with Professor Christopher Schneider of Brandon University describing them as “incredibly problematic.” He highlighted the potential impact on public perception of police competence and trust.
Professor Darryl Davies of Carleton University acknowledged the immense pressure faced by first responders at the crime scene, suggesting that trauma and shock might have overshadowed effective communication efforts. He emphasized the need for improved training in crisis communication for law enforcement personnel.
Despite the challenges, Davies recognized the efforts of OPS in managing the situation but stressed the importance of enhancing communication strategies in handling similar tragedies in the future.