A 38-year-old man is facing a charge of second-degree murder in connection to a homicide in Ottawa’s east end.
The Ottawa Police Service says officers responded to a call at a home on Provender Avenue just before 6 a.m. Friday, where a man was found dead. Ottawa paramedics said the man had been assaulted with an edged weapon.
“We got called in from neighbours indicating that something had happened at an address,” Supt. Jamie Dunlop told CTV News Ottawa. “Upon arrival, they had found a male, provided some first aid, but was later pronounced deceased.”
The victim has been identified as Trevor Howard Needham, 42, of Ottawa.
A woman suffered non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
Dunlop said Needham had been staying at the home for “a few days.”
“Heard some commotion there early morning, that was about it,” one resident said.
On Friday evening, police announced Jeremy Joseph Young, 38, of Ottawa has been charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder. He is scheduled to appear in court on Saturday.
“I’m not clear on what the relationship between all the individuals are at this time,” Dunlop said. “Again, the investigators are still doing lots of interviewing.”
Family members are mourning the death of Needham.
“I just want to say I love you. I’m going to miss you,” Lynn Clairoux, Needham’s cousin, said.
“It’s disappointing; it’s hurtful. He’s leaving a lot of people behind,” Carmen Pilon said.
This is the eighth homicide in Ottawa so far this year and the third in less than a week. A woman was killed on Heney Street in Lowertown on Tuesday, and a man died following an incident on Primrose Avenue, in the Chinatown area, on Saturday.
“Our investigators have worked tirelessly, and charges have been laid in six of these cases. The remaining two cases remain under active investigation, and we will not stop until those responsible are held accountable,” police said in a statement Friday.
The city’s police service notes that though these incidents are tragic, they are not connected.
“Our thoughts are with them (families and friends of victims) during this incredibly difficult time,” reads the statement.
“We share the community’s concerns about the level of violence in our city.”
The city’s police service adds that the capital is a community that looks for one another, citing bystanders “who stepped in to help in at least one of these incidents.”
“Our officers continue to work around the clock to ensure public safety, prevent further violence, and support those affected. We know that enforcement alone is not enough, which is why we are committed to working with community partners to address the root causes of violence and build long-term solutions,” reads the statement.
“We understand that uncertainty can be frustrating. These investigations are complex, and to ensure a fair and impartial court process, we are limited in the details we can share. However, our community police officers are working directly with impacted communities, alongside city councillors, to provide as much information as possible.”
Support is available for residents affected by these tragedies. Immediate and ongoing assistance is offered by the Victim Support Unit. The Distress Centre of Ottawa is available 24/7 at 613-238-3311. Kids Help Phone is available for children and youth—text CONNECT to 686868 or visit their website for online support.
Anyone with information about theses incidents is asked to call police at 613-236-1222, extension 5493, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.
Data about crime in Ottawa is available online.
With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Natalie van Rooy
