OTTAWA, ON – Ottawa police have confirmed that 51-year-old Renee Descary was the victim of a fatal attack in the city’s Lowertown neighborhood on Tuesday afternoon. Authorities have classified her death as a femicide, stating that she was killed due to her gender. The tragic incident has left the community in shock as investigators work to uncover the circumstances surrounding her death.
Emergency responders arrived at a residence on Heney Street around 4:40 p.m. following a distress call reporting an assault involving an edged weapon. Upon arrival, officers discovered one adult deceased at the scene and another person injured. The injured individual was transported to a hospital in stable condition. Police officially identified Descary as the victim on Wednesday morning, confirming that they are treating the case as a gender-based crime.
A suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the attack, though authorities have not yet released their identity. Ottawa Police Service officials have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to community safety. The investigation remains active as law enforcement gathers evidence and interviews witnesses.
The news of Descary’s death has deeply affected residents of the area, especially those in her housing co-op. Longtime neighborhood resident Daniel Lavigueur expressed disbelief, calling the crime unprecedented for the community. “People are in denial, but they are also scared,” he said. The incident has sparked concerns about safety and violence against women in Ottawa.
Descary’s killing adds to the growing concern over gender-based violence in Canada. Advocacy groups continue to push for increased awareness and protective measures to prevent such crimes. The classification of her death as femicide highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing violence targeted specifically at women.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. Police are expected to release further details in the coming days, shedding light on the events that led to Descary’s tragic death. Community members and organizations are also calling for action to prevent future cases of gender-based violence.
