Findlay Creek deaths: Two children and man found dead in south Ottawa residence
Two-line meta description:
A double tragedy in Findlay Creek: two boys, 7 and 12, found dead in a south Ottawa home; police probe possible murder-suicide and related fires in eastern Ontario.
Discovery at Mandevilla Crescent
Two boys, ages 7 and 12, were found dead inside a residence on Mandevilla Crescent in the Findlay Creek neighbourhood of south Ottawa on Monday, June 29, 2026. Ottawa police say officers attended the house at about 10 a.m. for a welfare check and discovered the children inside the home.
An adult man, whom police identified as the father of the children, was later found deceased in a vehicle that was on fire, the Ottawa Police Service said in its initial statement. Investigators are treating the case as one involving homicide(s) followed by suicide.
Correction to earlier reporting on ages
Ottawa police and media outlets corrected an earlier error about the age of one child after initial reports cited the older child as 10 years old. The police later confirmed the correct ages as 7 and 12. Officials emphasized the correction came after receiving updated information from investigators on the scene.
Police routinely update preliminary details as investigations progress, and the Ottawa Police Service said it would provide further information when it is confirmed and appropriate to release. The force has asked the public to respect the privacy of family members at this time.
Related fire scenes in eastern Ontario
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) confirmed it is participating in the investigation and is securing two separate fire scenes in eastern Ontario that are suspected of being linked. One was a commercial fire reported earlier on Monday in the village of Iroquois, while the other was a vehicle fire reported at about 5:30 a.m. in the Kemptville park-and-ride area near Highway 416 and Rideau River Road.
Investigators are assessing the connections between the fires and the deaths discovered in Ottawa, though authorities said there is currently no threat to public safety. Both the OPP and the Ottawa Police Service have cordoned off the relevant scenes while forensic and fire investigators conduct examinations.
Police statement and investigative focus
Ottawa police described the matter as an active homicide investigation and urged anyone with information to contact investigators. Officers said they are piecing together timelines and movements that morning and are working with provincial partners to establish how the events in Iroquois and Kemptville may relate to the scene in Findlay Creek.
Authorities declined to release the identities of the victims pending family notification and a formal statement from investigators. No charges have been announced, and police have not provided further detail on possible motives as the inquiry remains in its early stages.
Community reaction and local officials’ response
Steve Desroches, the city councillor for Riverside South–Findlay Creek, expressed shock and sorrow in a post on the social platform X, calling the incident “a tragedy that breaks the heart” and offering condolences to the family and friends. Neighbours and community members said they were stunned by news of the deaths in a neighbourhood generally regarded as quiet and family-oriented.
Local supports and community groups mobilized to offer assistance to residents affected by the news, with some churches and community centres preparing to provide space for gatherings or counselling as needed. School officials in the area said they were coordinating with the city and police to ensure any students and families who require support are referred to appropriate services.
Resources and support for those in distress
Police and health authorities reiterated that help is available for anyone experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts. Residents were reminded of crisis lines and community resources, including local Tel-Aide numbers and regional mental health crisis lines, which remain staffed to assist callers in urgent need.
Officials stressed the importance of reaching out to professionals, family members or trusted community supports if anyone is struggling, and they encouraged those with information relevant to the investigation to contact police. Public health and social service agencies stand ready to provide counselling and practical supports to people affected by the events.
Police continue to ask anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area or who has dashcam or home surveillance footage from early Monday to contact the Ottawa Police Service. Investigators also encouraged residents with tips about the Iroquois and Kemptville fires to reach out to the OPP.
The investigation into the Findlay Creek deaths remains ongoing, and authorities say they will release additional confirmed details when available.
