Ottawa police have confirmed that the elderly couple discovered dead in their Barrhaven home early Tuesday morning were victims of a tragic murder-suicide. Authorities identified the deceased as 84-year-old Kurt Theoret and his wife, 82-year-old Virginia Theoret. According to investigators, Kurt shot his wife before calling 911 and then taking his own life.
The distressing call came in around 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Paramedics responded to the residence on Pheasant Run Drive at approximately 1:05 a.m. Both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. Police later stated this incident marks the city’s 12th homicide of the year.
The couple had lived in their home at 25 Pheasant Run Dr. since 1984, having purchased the property for $134,000, according to municipal property records. Located near the intersection of Cedarview and Fallowfield roads, the neighborhood is generally known for its peace and quiet—qualities that have now been shaken by this tragedy.
Sophie Hawkins, a neighbor who lives right next door to the Theorets’ home, described the couple as inseparable and kind-hearted. “They were always together, never apart. They did everything together,” she said. Hawkins recalled often seeing them outside their garage, enjoying the sunshine. She noted that Kurt took meticulous care of the garden and regularly mowed the front lawn.
However, Hawkins noticed something slightly unusual in the days leading up to the tragedy. “The only thing different I saw this week was I saw him leave in the car by himself,” she said. “Usually they’re just inseparable.” She also mentioned that Virginia used a cane and had more limited mobility compared to her husband.
Hawkins was awoken just after 1 a.m. by the commotion of emergency vehicles outside her home. “There was at least 15 cop cars, two ambulances pulled in. We saw officers all over the place,” she recounted. “It’s just very strange for this street because it’s a very quiet neighborhood.”
Deji Orija, who lives a few doors down, also expressed his disbelief. While he didn’t know the couple personally, his wife saw a police vehicle outside the Theoret residence that morning and later learned the grim details from a neighbor. “It’s actually shocking because this is a very quiet neighborhood,” he said.
The incident has left residents of the typically tranquil suburb in disbelief and mourning. “I’m disturbed and my stomach hurts. I’m sad. I don’t know what happened,” Hawkins said, her voice trembling with emotion. Like many others, she is grappling with the grief and confusion that often accompany such sudden, devastating events.
Mental health and senior care advocates stress the importance of checking in on elderly loved ones and being mindful of signs of depression, isolation, or distress. Tragedies like this underscore the need for robust support systems for aging individuals and couples, particularly as they navigate health challenges or the stress of caregiving.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:
Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566 (Phone) or text 45645 (4 p.m. to midnight ET), crisisservicescanada.ca
In Quebec (French): Association québécoise de prévention du suicide: 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553)
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or live chat at kidshelpphone.ca
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Visit their website to locate a 24-hour crisis centre near you.
The Ottawa Police Service continues to investigate the incident, but at this time, they are not seeking any additional suspects. The community mourns the loss of Kurt and Virginia Theoret and hopes for healing in the wake of this tragedy.
