Woman Stabbed to Death in Ottawa Park as Children Watch
A 36-year-old mother was brutally stabbed to death in front of her two young children on Thursday morning, in a quiet Ottawa neighborhood. The violent incident, which has shaken the local community, occurred at Paul Landry Park, near the intersection of Uplands and Paul Anka drives, not far from Ottawa's airport. The victim has been identified as Brkti Berhe, a mother of two.
The attack took place around 11:26 a.m. as Berhe was spending time with her children at the park. It was a scene that should have been filled with laughter and peace but instead turned into a nightmare. Eyewitness reports suggest the attack happened in a part of the park near a children’s playground. Photos from the crime scene show police tape cordoning off a pathway, and an abandoned stroller remained as a haunting symbol of the tragedy.
First responders arrived quickly at the scene and made efforts to save Berhe, but sadly, she was pronounced dead shortly after they arrived. The children, though physically unharmed, were taken to a hospital as a precautionary measure. It’s clear from reports that the children were left traumatized, having witnessed the horrific attack on their mother.
Following the fatal stabbing, the suspect, a 36-year-old man, fled the scene in a vehicle. Ottawa police quickly mobilized and launched a manhunt to track him down. Within hours, the suspect was apprehended on Highway 417, near exit 66 in Casselman, approximately 50 kilometers from the crime scene. The police have yet to disclose details about the suspect’s identity or any potential motive behind the attack. However, they did confirm that charges are pending and the suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues.
The senseless killing of Brkti Berhe has deeply unsettled the community. Residents of the area, known for its calm and family-friendly atmosphere, have expressed shock and sorrow. People have left red flowers near the site of the attack as a tribute to the victim and her grieving family. For many, the presence of these tributes is a visual reminder of how quickly life can be shattered by violence.
Local authorities closed off Uplands Drive, where the attack occurred, for several hours to allow forensic teams and investigators to collect evidence. The road was eventually reopened to traffic by 5 p.m., but the emotional scars in the community will likely take much longer to heal.
Concerns over public safety have been heightened in the aftermath of the tragedy. Paul Landry Park, which serves as a popular recreational spot for families, is now associated with a terrifying act of violence. Parents and local residents have voiced their unease, calling for greater security measures to be taken in public spaces. Some have even questioned whether the park, or others like it, will ever feel safe again for families to visit.
The investigation into the stabbing is still underway. Ottawa police have urged anyone with information that might help piece together the events leading to the attack to come forward. They are combing through witness statements, security footage from nearby buildings, and any other potential leads to understand how this tragedy unfolded and whether it could have been prevented. Police are also working closely with social services to provide support for the victim’s children, whose lives have been irrevocably altered by this devastating event.
While authorities have the suspect in custody, no formal charges have yet been announced. Ottawa police have assured the public that they are treating the case with the highest level of seriousness, and they are expected to provide further updates in the coming days as they gather more evidence.
The quiet neighborhood near Uplands and Paul Anka drives has become the epicenter of grief. Neighbors, friends, and strangers alike are grappling with the senseless nature of the crime. Local community groups and mental health professionals are offering counseling services to those impacted by the event, particularly for those in close proximity to the victim’s family.
This tragedy has left residents not only heartbroken but also questioning how such a brutal act of violence could occur in their otherwise peaceful surroundings. For Brkti Berhe’s children, the unimaginable trauma of witnessing their mother’s death will likely remain with them for life. The broader community, too, must now find a way to come to terms with the loss and begin healing from a wound that has left an indelible mark on the heart of Ottawa.
The police are encouraging anyone with additional information to come forward to assist in solving this case and ensuring that justice is served for the victim and her family.
