Ottawa, Canada — The Ottawa community is reeling from a tragic incident that took the life of Brkti Berhe, a 36-year-old mother of four, who was fatally stabbed in front of two of her children. The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday near the busy intersection of Uplands and Paul Anka drives, close to the city’s international airport.
Deputy Chief Trish Ferguson of the Ottawa Police stated during a media briefing that the attack happened while Berhe was at Paul Landry Park with her children. This violent act has been officially categorized by the authorities as femicide, highlighting the gender-based nature of the crime.
Fsha Tekhle, a 36-year-old man from Montreal, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder following the attack. Reports indicate that there was a known connection between the victim and the accused; Tekhle was previously in a relationship with Berhe’s aunt, according to Helen Kibade, a close family friend of the victim.
The local community is shocked by the brutality of the murder. Many residents expressed their sorrow and disbelief, as the park where the murder took place is a popular location for families and children. A memorial with flowers and messages has been growing in the park as people come to pay their respects and mourn the senseless loss of life.
Minutes following the murder, a Facebook account believed to be connected to Tekhle posted a cryptic message in Amharic, which translates to “done.” The post was timestamped at 11:40 a.m., roughly 10 minutes after the attack. The suspect’s Facebook account became unavailable the following day, just before Tekhle appeared for his first court hearing. It remains unconfirmed whether Tekhle personally managed or posted on this account.
Tanya Pomeranz, a local resident who frequently visits the park, voiced the communal grief, noting the park’s transformation from a place of joy to one of mourning. Community response has extended beyond personal sentiments, with trauma professionals being dispatched to support those affected, especially children who have witnessed the horrific event.
River ward Councilman Riley Brockington expressed his devastation over the killing, emphasizing the brutality of the act and its impact on the community. He revealed plans to organize a vigil.
The case has stirred conversations about femicide and the security of public spaces, raising questions about community safety and the mechanisms in place to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the community grapples with this tragedy, the police investigation continues, with further details anticipated as the legal process unfolds against Tekhle. The outpouring of support at the growing memorial reflects a community united in grief and a call for justice for Brkti Berhe and her surviving family.