Cause of death determined for family involved in Harrow tragedy

Investigators from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have identified the cause of death for the four individuals in the death investigation in Harrow.

Police say postmortem examinations have determined the cause of death as gunshot wounds for 41-year-old Carly Stannard-Walsh, 13-year-old Madison Walsh and eight-year-old Hunter Walsh. The cause of death for 42-year-old Steven Walsh has been determined as a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police add.

There is no imminent threat to public safety, although the OPP reminds all members of the public to be aware of their personal safety at all times.

Members of the Essex County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) began the investigation June 20, after receiving a request to check on the well-being of a person at the home, which led to the discovery of the deceased individuals.

The OPP adds the investigation by the Essex County OPP Crime Unit remains ongoing under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, with assistance from OPP Forensic Identification Services, and in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

According to the OPP: “The initial investigation has determined that this is a case of intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV is a serious and prevalent problem. IPV involves the use of physical, psychological or sexual force, actual or threatened, in an intimate relationship. However, these actions are not always physical and can involve emotional and psychological abuse, economic control or coercive control. The OPP encourages anyone who is experiencing IPV to contact police or your local Ontario Victim Services branch to develop a safety plan.”

Any person with information regarding this investigation should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca. 

Harrow United Church is also hosting “Parenting Through Grief: Understanding Developmental Stages and Strategies to Support Children & Teens.” Due to the recent tragedy, a mental health educator and bereavement therapist will be at the church to advise parents on how to support their children through loss. It is being presented in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association.

More information on that session can be found by e-mailing mhp@cmha-wecb.on.ca or by calling 519-255-7440 ext. 234.

Harrow United Church is located at 45 Munger Ave. East.

Cause of death determined for family involved in Harrow tragedy

By Ron Giofu