A 21-year-old man passed away on Saturday after sustaining stab wounds in Alta Vista, as confirmed by the Ottawa Police Service. Paramedics were alerted to the incident at 12:32 a.m., responding promptly to the call. Upon arrival at the scene on Russell Road in the 1700 block, the man was discovered with potential stab wounds and in cardiac arrest. Despite efforts to transport him to the hospital, the man succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. He was the sole patient attended to by the paramedics at that location.
The victim was identified by the authorities as 21-year-old Raphael Atende in a press statement released on Saturday morning, marking the fifteenth homicide in Ottawa this year. This tragic event follows recent reports of gunshots on the same street, raising concerns and prompting discussions between Alta Vista Coun. Marty Carr, law enforcement, and the community to address the escalating violence. Residents have expressed apprehension about the safety of the neighborhood, particularly for children who wish to enjoy outdoor activities without fear.
The Ottawa Police’s homicide unit is actively investigating the incident and urges anyone with relevant information to reach out at 613-236-1222, extension 5493. In a separate incident later that day, emergency services responded to another stabbing in Lowertown around 3 p.m. A woman in her twenties was discovered with multiple injuries near St. Patrick and Cumberland streets and was promptly taken to a nearby trauma center in a serious condition. Road closures in the area, initially implemented by the police, have since been lifted.