Teen charged in fatal stabbing in Ottawa’s west end

A 43-year-old man is dead, and an 18-year-old is facing a murder charge after a stabbing in the Michele Heights area. CTV’s Austin Lee reports.

An 18-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder in connection to a fatal stabbing in Ottawa’s west end.

Emergency crews responded to a call in the 2900 block of Penny Drive, in the Michelle Heights neighbourhood, at approximately 6:45 p.m. Monday.

The Ottawa Police Service said a person was located with life-threatening injuries and transported to the hospital, “where they succumbed to their injuries shortly after.” An Ottawa Paramedic Service spokesperson told CTV News Ottawa the victim, an adult male, was located at the scene with stab wounds.

On Tuesday, police identified the victim as Jeffrey Wilson, 43, of Spencerville, Ont.

Firomsa Motuma, 18, of Ottawa is facing a charge of second-degree murder.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service’s Homicide Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5493.

“Police do not believe there is an ongoing risk to public safety. The investigation is ongoing, and officers remain in the area,” police said in a media release Monday night.

Three Ottawa police cruisers were at the crime scene Tuesday afternoon.

“The air just feels heavy to know that someone passed like, 30 feet from my front door,” said Jessica Crete, who lives across the street from the scene of the stabbing. “What if my kids could have witnessed it? Because it was right in our field of view.”

Crete says the incident has stirred up concern for her and her family.

“It does make you wonder how safe you are in your own home. Even in your yard, because that’s almost in my front yard,” she said. “It’s the first time that I have seen something like that in front of me and so close to home. It is a shock.”

Bay Ward Coun. Theresa Kavanagh says incidents like this in her ward are rare but they have ripple effects throughout the community.

“It is unusual and I understand from the police statement that they don’t believe this is an issue for the entire community and that it is isolated, but still, it’s always sad and horrifying to hear of someone being killed in your community,” she said.

“We can’t help but feel terrible for the family, and again, my deepest condolences.”

The 2900 block of Penny Drive is located near Richmond Road.

This is the 19th homicide of the year in Ottawa. There were 26 homicides in Ottawa in 2024.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Austin Lee