Police wrap investigation into killings of two young boys in Ottawa murder-suicide

Ottawa police have released more details about the case of a 40-year-old man who murdered his two young sons before taking his own life in June.

Police say they have finished their investigation and determined that Mohammed Al-Lami killed the boys, aged seven and 12, during the late evening of June 28 or in the early morning hours of June 29, when their bodies were discovered in a home on Mandevilla Crescent.

They say Al-Lami then intentionally set fire to his dental practice in Iroquois south of Ottawa before dying by suicide in a vehicle near Kemptville, Ont.

Police say the father had picked up the two boys for his scheduled parenting time two days before they were found dead.

Investigators say the evidence has established that Al-Lami acted alone.

Police say he had a history of intimate partner violence and there was ongoing conflict involving parenting arrangements and financial support.

“While no single circumstance can fully explain this violence, the evidence indicates that these issues likely formed part of the context leading to the deaths,” police said in a statement on Tuesday, adding that the findings have been shared with the boys’ mother.

Deputy Chief Patricia Ferguson said the boys’ deaths have impacted the entire community.

“We recognize the profound impact these deaths have had on the boys’ family, friends, school communities, neighbours and everyone who was affected by this tragedy,” said Ferguson.

Police say the names of the boys will not be released publicly at the request of their mother.