2 dead, 2 wounded in shooting over 'ongoing neighbour dispute' in Stratford, Ont.
Police received multiple calls about gunshots around 10:45 p.m. ET Thursday
WARNING: This story contains references to violence and suicide.
Two people are dead and two were sent to hospital with serious injuries after a man opened fire on his neighbours following a dispute in Stratford, Ont., on Thursday night, police say.
Police received multiple 911 calls for reports of gunshots in the area of Bradshaw Drive and McCarthy Road West around 10:45 p.m. ET.
Police who arrived on the scene found four people with gunshot wounds. Two of them died and the other two were taken by an Ornge air ambulance to Victoria Hospital in London.
One person has life-threatening injuries and the other has life-altering injuries.
On Friday afternoon, police said 31-year-old Ricky Bilcke "opened fire and shot the three victims after being involved in an ongoing neighbour dispute."
Bilcke died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, they said.
Area closed for investigation
Police said Bilcke used a high-powered rifle to shoot Jonathan Bennett, 36, after a dispute. Bennett was pronounced dead at hospital.
"[Bilcke] then accessed a shotgun and entered onto the roadway where he shot the second victim ... who is currently in hospital receiving treatment for life-threatening injuries," police said.
The two injured individuals are a 43-year-old man and a woman, whose age was not given, who had "exited her residence and was targeted and shot by the shooter."
The area around Bradshaw Drive will be closed Friday for the investigation. Officers with the Stratford Police Service will be canvassing the area looking for video and witness statements.
Stratford Police Service Media Release - Aug 2/24 <a href="https://t.co/SXJRyYyQYK">pic.twitter.com/SXJRyYyQYK</a>
—@SPSmediaofficeThe police service said it wanted to "send condolences to the victims, their families, loved ones and all others impacted by this incident."
Police added they are aware of multiple videos of the shooting that have been posted to social media.
"Out of respect to the victims of this incident and the trauma this has caused to all people involved, we ask that those videos be removed," police said.
Anyone with information that may help with the investigation is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers. Those in need of help can reach out to Victim Services of Huron Perth.
'They're shaken.... They're not feeling safe'
Bob Roth was sitting is his backyard Thursday night with his wife, chatting about their days, when "we heard three shotgun blasts and shortly after three smaller rounds from a smaller type of gun." He also told CBC News that he then decided to call police.
Roth said something like this is not expected in a "nice, relatively small town" like Stratford.
"Stuff like this happens everywhere — it's just, it happens a lot more when there's a lot more people ... in the big city."
Sam Ahmad was walking his dog when he heard the shots. He thought they were fireworks, but when he went out later and saw the police cars, he knew there had been gunshots.
"The whole neighbourhood, they're not happy about it. They're shaken," Ahmad told CBC News.
"The kids ... they're not feeling safe," he said, adding hearing gunshots in your own neighbourhood "it's a big thing."
If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to get help:
- Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988.
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868. Text 686868. Live chat counselling on the website.
- Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre.
- This guide from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health outlines how to talk about suicide with someone you're worried about.