Neighbours of a killer father who brutally murdered his own family have come forward with chilling accounts of his disturbing behaviour in the days leading up to the tragedy, revealing multiple red flags that went unheeded.
The quiet Ottawa suburb of Barrhaven was shattered when Febrio De-Zoysa, 19, was charged with killing his wife Darshani Ekanayake and their four-year-old twin sons. The horrific incident has left the community reeling and questioning how such violence could erupt in their peaceful neighbourhood.
Neighbours' Chilling Accounts
Residents living near the family's townhouse have described a series of increasingly concerning incidents that now appear as ominous warnings. One neighbour recounted hearing terrifying screams and loud banging noises coming from the property just days before the murders.
"We heard screaming and what sounded like furniture being thrown around," said a local resident who wished to remain anonymous. "It was terrifying to hear, but we never imagined it would lead to this."
A Community in Shock
The close-knit community has been left traumatised by the brutal nature of the crimes. Many residents had seen the young family around the neighbourhood and described them as quiet and kept to themselves.
Another neighbour reported seeing the suspect acting erratically in the days before the attack, including wandering the streets alone at odd hours and appearing agitated and disoriented.
Police Response and Investigation
Ottawa police have confirmed they are investigating whether there were any previous domestic incidents at the property. Authorities have revealed that the suspect allegedly used a knife-type object during the attack, though no gun was involved as initially rumoured.
Detectives are now piecing together the events leading up to the tragedy and examining whether more could have been done to prevent the horrific outcome.
Warning Signs Missed
Mental health experts emphasise that while not all concerning behaviour leads to violence, there are often discernible patterns that can indicate escalating risk. The accounts from neighbours suggest several classic warning signs were present, including:
- Erratic and aggressive behaviour
- Domestic disturbances heard by neighbours
- Social isolation and withdrawal
- Apparent mental health deterioration
The tragedy has sparked conversations about community awareness and when to intervene when concerning behaviour is observed.
As the investigation continues, the Barrhaven community remains in mourning, grappling with the loss of a young mother and her children, and the chilling realisation that the warning signs were there all along.
