A 20-year-old Sri Lankan international student, Febrio De Zoysa, pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder in a devastating case that shocked Ottawa. The murders took place last March, where De Zoysa killed six individuals, including four children, in Barrhaven.
Details of the Crimes
De Zoysa confessed to murdering:
- Inuka Wickramasinghe, 7
- Ashwini Wickramasinghe, 4
- Ranaya Wickramasinghe, 3
- Gamini Amarakoon, 40, a close family friend
He also pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder involving:
- Darshani Ekanayake, 35, the children’s mother
- Kelly Wickramasinghe, aged two months
In addition, he admitted to the attempted murder of Dhanushka Wickramasinghe, the lone survivor of the horrific event.
Legal Perspectives on the Guilty Plea
This rare move to plead guilty to first-degree murder prompted reactions from legal experts. Mark Ertel, a prominent criminal lawyer, emphasizes that such pleas are uncommon, especially for serious charges like first-degree murder. According to him, defendants typically opt to defend their cases unless a more favorable plea is offered.
Jennifer Quaid, a law professor at the University of Ottawa, points out that in this case, the overwhelming evidence likely influenced De Zoysa’s decision. The gruesome nature of these crimes contributed to the perception that the verdict was unavoidable.
Motivation Behind the Murders
De Zoysa revealed he planned to kill the entire household as he faced financial hardship. His international student visa was about to expire, and he feared returning to Sri Lanka. This tragic situation unfolded despite the family treating him with kindness and hospitality.
Implications of the Plea
Crown prosecutor Dallas Mack stated that De Zoysa’s guilty plea reflects an acknowledgment of his guilt. Had he chosen to contest the charges, the prosecution was prepared with a robust case that would have secured convictions. Defense attorney Ewan Lyttle acknowledged his client’s actions as “unthinkable,” but praised his decision to take responsibility.
Sentencing Details
First-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole for 25 years. De Zoysa’s plea allowed the court to avoid the prolonged agony of a trial for the victims’ families and the community. Justice Kevin Phillips recognized the professionalism shown by both legal teams, highlighting the collaborative effort that led to this resolution.
In conclusion, De Zoysa’s guilty plea stands as a significant rarity in criminal law. It underscores the deep impact of his actions on the families involved and the broader Ottawa community.
