Police investigate two homicides in October
OPS asks public for assistance to help identify person of interest
Ottawa Police are investigating a pair of homicides that occurred within the boundaries of Manor Park in October. Both cases remained unsolved as of press deadline.
The first was on Thursday, Oct. 2. A man was found injured with apparent stab wounds just after 7 a.m. that morning, in the 500 block of St. Laurent Boulevard. He was later pronounced dead in hospital.
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Homicide Unit has identified the victim as 55-year-old Justin James Weir, of Ottawa.
Investigators would like to speak with anyone who was in the area of St. Laurent Boulevard, Montreal Road and Brittany Drive between 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1 and 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2. Police are asking individuals to check their surveillance cameras or vehicle dash cam footage to determine if any persons were captured during that time.
They would also like to speak to an individual who may have lost an earbud case and one earbud around the same area, on or about Oct. 2. The case is dark blue with the brand logo ‘ONN’ on it.
Meadow Park Place
The second homicide occurred Wednesday, Oct. 22. Investigators arrived on scene at approximately 8:13 a.m. in the 400 block of Meadow Park Place east of St. Laurent Boulevard. There, they located the body of Joshua Qiyuk, 21. His death has also been determined to be a homicide as the result of a stabbing.
According to an online post from C’est Bon Cooking, Qiyuk was a talented chef who developed his skills with the culinary company. According to chef Georges Laurier, who mentored Qiyuk, his death came as a shock.
“Such a good person is leaving us; a young chef, kind, polite, calm, and dedicated,” Laurier noted. “His passing leaves a void in the culinary community, but his memory will remain forever in my heart.”
An Inuk man from Baker Lake, the post notes Qiyuk graduated from Algonquin College’s culinary management program. He had been working at Absinthe Café at the time of his death.
“Josh was building a great life in this community and was no doubt a shining light and role model for his Inuit community,” noted the C’est Bon post. “Our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with his mother and family.”
Contact police with information
Homicide unit investigators would like to speak with anyone with information regarding this incident or who may have dash cam footage and was traveling on the Aviation Parkway between 7 p.m. on Oct. 21 and 7 a.m. on Oct. 22.
Investigators are also looking to speak with anyone who observed pedestrians on the Aviation Parkway in the area between Hemlock Road and Montreal Road during that time.
Anyone with information about either incident is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5493. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.
An OPS spokesperson told the Chronicle said they cannot speculate whether the two homicides are related as they are both part of ongoing investigations. “We have no information to suggest they were related at this time,” Maeghan McGaraughty said.
Personal safety tips
The OPS shared the following personal safety tips, especially for those walking at night:
• Call 911 in an emergency.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions and stay alert to what’s happening around you.
• Let someone know your plans. Tell a friend or family member where you’re going and when you expect to return.
• Travel with others when possible. There’s safety in numbers, especially during late-night walks.
• Use headphones safely. Keep the volume at a level that allows you to hear traffic, people, or other sounds nearby.
• Report suspicious activity to the police.