Conor Donnelly Charged With Second Degree Murder, Attempted Murder

By Charlie Senack, Barrhaven Independent

Ottawa Police have charged 39-year-old Conor Donnelly, with one count of Second Degree Murder and another count of Attempted Murder, after Ottawa’s 15th homicide of the year took place last night in Barrhaven.

Donnelly has been charged after stabbing his parents multiple times Sunday night. The first victim, his mother, has been identified as 64-year-old Linda Frederick. She passed away on the scene. His father, who was also stabbed, is still in hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Police say Donnelly is currently in their custody and was scheduled to appear in court this afternoon via video.

Donnelly, who attended St. Pius High School in his youth, worked as an aide at the Queensway Carleton Hospital.

A Gruesome Night

Sherway Drive was closed last night near Tedwyn as the incident unfolded. Police and swat vehicles lined the suburban street. Nearby residents had police search their homes and were told to evacuate. An OC Transpo bus was brought in to keep them warm on a night where Ottawa had its first snowfall of the season.

Some reports say first responders were able to check on and transport the victims to hospital before the suspect barricaded himself in the home. The Barrhaven Independent spoke to eyewitnesses on the scene Sunday night who gave a similar account.

Crisis negotiators and armed tactical officers were also on scene. It all came to an end at 1:45 am when tactical officers went into the garage and arrested the suspect.

A Gruesome Scene

On Monday morning, police tape still cordoned off the home located between the 1 and 100 Sherway Drive. The neighbouring home was also surrounded by police tape. Forensic teams were seen taking pictures in the garage of the home where the showdown came to an end.

As the sun rose, signs of what was a deadly night appeared.  Large splatters of blood could be seen on the front steps of both homes. A defibrillator sat nearby, alongside blood-soaked towels and blankets. A white tarp tried to cover up the gruesome scene, but blew in the wind and snow.

Many neighbours were too shaken up to speak with the media, but said the male victim, aged 66, ran to their next door neighbours for help. He was found there by first responders with multiple stab wounds. The female victim who has passed away, was found inside the couple’s home located at 72 Sherway Drive.

Neighbours said the couple kept to themselves, but always appeared happy when out bike riding or walking in the community. They were known to be friendly and say a gentle hello to their neighbours as they passed by.

(Facebook Photo)