Nineteen homicides recorded in Ottawa in 2025, five cases remain unsolved

A total of 19 homicides were recorded in Ottawa in 2025. According to the Ottawa Police Service, charges were laid in 14 cases, while five killings remain unsolved as of year’s end.

The 2025 total represents a decrease from the record-breaking year of 2024, when 25 homicides were reported — the highest number ever recorded in the city, surpassing the previous record of 24 set in 1995 and 2016. Nevertheless, with 19 homicides, 2025 stands as the second-highest total in the past five years.

The year began tragically. In January, the body of 58-year-old Wilson Sabarros was found in the Barrhaven area. Three individuals were arrested, two of whom were charged with first-degree murder.

The most intense period occurred between late March and early April, when five homicides took place over the span of eight days. Among them was the death of Paul Scott Landymore in Chinatown — a case that remains unsolved — as well as several high-profile incidents involving edged weapons and firearms.

Police also highlighted an increase in femicides, defined as the killing of women because of their gender. Four deaths were officially classified as femicides in Ottawa in 2025, exceeding figures from previous years. In most cases, suspects were arrested and charged.

Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs said the decision to formally designate femicides has received a positive public response. At the same time, he noted that incidents of intimate partner violence increased by 8.6 per cent year over year.

Five homicides committed in the fall remain under active investigation. Police continue to appeal to the public for any information that could assist in solving these cases.