On Christmas Day, a somber incident unfolded in Ottawa's Hintonburg neighborhood, where police are investigating the shocking homicide of a 46-year-old woman, Jolene Arreak. Arreak was pronounced dead at 6:10 PM at a residence on Spadina Avenue, marking a grim milestone as Ottawa surpasses its previous record of 24 homicides in a single year, a record set in both 1995 and 2016.

In the wake of this tragedy, authorities arrested a 35-year-old man, identified as Manasi Foo, who now faces charges of second-degree murder along with attempted murder. Foo is set to appear in court following the incident, which took place just as families were gathering to celebrate the holiday.

According to police reports, another victim who was present during the attack was hospitalized but has since been released. Residents were left in shock as police cordoned off the area, collecting evidence and processing the scene.

Olayu Micah Arreak, Jolene's mother, expressed her heartbreak, stating, "The world is darker. She's gone. Ottawa is darker." The emotional toll of this loss rippled through the community, with neighbors struggling to comprehend how such violence could occur on a day typically reserved for joy and family.

Julie Plourde, a long-time resident and neighbor, described the chilling realization of the events that unfolded next door as "a real big shock." As parents in the area worked to ease their children's fears in light of this tragedy, Plourde emphasized, “We never, ever thought this would have happened.” Concerned for her own and her children's safety, she reflected on her close-knit community, stating that they often looked out for one another.

Plourde recounted how Arreak had been spending Christmas with her uncle, J.P. Foo, who had been a resident of the home for over forty years. The family had gathered earlier in the day for Christmas dinner before returning home. It was shortly thereafter that the violence broke out, leading to a chaotic scene as neighbours heard sirens and saw emergency vehicles swarm the street.

Jennifer Ferreira, another neighbor, added to the atmosphere of disbelief, noting how the close community had been disrupted by the tragedy. Ferreira described Arreak as a vibrant presence, known for her generosity and friendliness, a stark contrast to the somber events that transpired.

As the investigation continues, residents are left grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event, questioning how something so tragic could occur in their beloved neighborhood, especially during what should have been a time of celebration. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing issues of violence affecting communities across the country.

As Ottawa grapples with record-high homicide rates, this incident sparks urgent conversations about safety, community support, and the need for preventative measures to ensure such tragedies are not repeated. The Hintonburg community is coming together to support one another as they process the loss of a neighbor and friend, maintaining hope that healing will follow in the aftermath of such tragedy.