A peaceful Barrhaven neighborhood is left reeling after an elderly couple’s deaths are confirmed as a murder-suicide, marking Ottawa’s 12th homicide of 2025.
Tragedy Strikes in Barrhaven: A Community in Shock
It’s the kind of street where neighbors wave from their gardens, children play at the cul-de-sac, and the biggest excitement is a dog being walked at sunset. But in the early hours of Tuesday, that peace was shattered.
The Incident: What Happened on Pheasant Run Drive
Shortly after 1 a.m., Ottawa police responded to a distressing 911 call from a home on Pheasant Run Drive in the Old Barrhaven neighborhood. Inside, they discovered the bodies of Virginia Theoret, 82, and her husband, Kurt Theoret, 84. Investigators have since confirmed the case as a murder-suicide, with Mr. Theoret reportedly calling emergency services before taking his own life.
A Neighborhood Left Reeling
The news has stunned residents of this typically tranquil community, where young families and retirees live side by side. “This is normally a very quiet street. Very peaceful, very quiet,” said neighbor Tony Stevens. “To see and hear about that, it’s quite shocking.” Sophie Hawkins, who lives next door, described the couple as inseparable and friendly, often seen together in their garden or out for a drive. “They were just the cute old story of husband and wife living their lives in their home. It’s just unbelievable,” she said.
No Warning Signs
Neighbors recall seeing Virginia outside her home just hours before the tragedy, with no indication of trouble. “They very much kept to themselves. Pleasant, a smile, a wave. Never ever an issue. It’s shocking,” Hawkins added. The couple, who had lived in the neighborhood since 1984, were known for their quiet routines and devotion to each other.
Police Response and Investigation
The incident prompted an unusually large police and paramedic presence, with more than a dozen cruisers and two ambulances arriving at the scene. Authorities have stated there is no ongoing threat to the public and are not seeking any suspects. The Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit has asked anyone with information to contact them.
Ottawa’s 12th Homicide of 2025
This tragedy marks the 12th homicide in Ottawa this year, a number that matches Toronto’s tally for the same period—a concerning statistic for the capital. “It’s a very unfortunate, sad, tragic incident and there is a family out there that is really reeling and grieving. Friends as well,” said Staff Sgt. Jeff Pilon of the Homicide Unit4.
A Community Searching for Answers
As the investigation continues, Barrhaven residents are left grappling with grief and disbelief. In a place where doors are often left unlocked and neighbors look out for one another, the loss is deeply felt—a reminder that tragedy can strike even the most peaceful of communities.
If you have any information about this incident, please contact the Ottawa Police Service.
