A Brockville community is mourning after police confirmed a triple homicide, the largest violent attack in the city's history, on Cartier Court was a case of intimate partner violence involving a teenaged girl, her mother and older sister. Brockville Police say officers were called to a residence around 11:30 a.m. Thursday after receiving a 911 report of multiple deaths. When officers arrived, they found three people deceased inside the home and quickly deemed the deaths suspicious. Police later identified the victims as a woman in her mid-40s and her two daughters, who ranged from their mid-teens to early 20s. At Friday’s news conference, Officer Darryl Boyd confirmed investigators believe a knife was used. “It's believed at this time that a knife was involved,” Boyd told reporters. Police say the accused and victims were known to one another, but the accused is not related to the family. Multiple trusted sources have confirmed the 16-year-old victim and the accused had been in a relationship. Boyd stressed the attack was not random. “We want to remind the community that this is an incident that is isolated and not a random attack,” he said. “If anyone is struggling, we have many resources to help residents.” Investigators later received information leading them to a property on the outskirts of Brockville, where a 17-year-old suspect was arrested roughly two hours after the emergency call. “The arrest of the suspect took place approximately two hours after the 9-1-1 call,” Boyd said. The accused faces three counts of first-degree murder, along with a charge of assaulting a police officer. Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the accused cannot be identified publicly and remains in custody. Boyd said the investigation remains active inside the apartment building. “The floor of the building where the incident took place is still locked down for forensic investigators and people are being asked to avoid the building,” he said. Residents on the second floor were allowed to remain in their units, but police say if they left, they could not return unless special arrangements are made under escort. Other residents have been allowed back in, while victim services is helping displaced tenants with accommodations. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Brockville. Residents described the violence as devastating, while neighbours said intimate partner violence remains a painful reality in many communities. Local high schools are offering counselling and support services for students and staff affected. The city has also offered support. Police continue to ask anyone with information to contact investigators or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
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