Durham Police Explosive Disposal Unit has cleared the residence where the shooting took place -and where an unknown device was found – and have deemed it safe.
The suspicious item has been deemed not a threat and the media are welcome back into the scene. Thanks for your understanding and patience, said a police tweet yesterday afternoon.
Earlier, during a search at the home where five people were found shot dead, police had found an unknown device. “As a precaution, we are securing the area until our experts can identify the device and make sure it is safe. Please avoid this area as our investigation continues,” said the police.
Durham Police are investigating the shooting incident in which five people lost their lives early yesterday morning in Oshawa.
On Friday, September 4, at approximately 1:20 am, officers responded to a residence on Parklane Avenue in Oshawa after numerous reports of gunshots. Members of the Tactical Support Unit arrived quickly and entered the residence to find five deceased people inside and one adult female who was alive but suffering from a gunshot wound. The 50-year-old female was rushed to hospital, where she was treated for a non-life-threatening injury, said a police statement.
All deceased members were known to each other. Investigators believe the suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and no other suspects are outstanding.
Members of Victim Services of Durham Region are on scene at Parklane Ave in Oshawa to provide support to anyone who may want to talk. “Please feel free to approach them or an officer if you require their services. Thank you,”said a police tweet as shocked neighbours gathered around.
Homicide Unit investigators are working with the Coroner’s Office to confirm the identities of everyone involved. The four deceased represent the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th homicide victims of 2020 in Durham Region.
Anyone with new information about this investigation is asked to contact Det. McDermott or Det. Dorego of the Homicide Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5411 or 5319.