Ottawa police are investigating a murder-suicide incident involving a Canadian dentist, Mohammed Al-Lami, 40, who is believed to have killed his two sons, aged 7 and 12, before dying in a vehicle fire on June 29. The incident also involved a fire at Al-Lami's dental practice in Iroquois.
According to authorities, Al-Lami is suspected of murdering his sons in their south Ottawa home before his death in Kemptville. Police linked him to a blaze at the dental office where he practiced.
A handwritten note found at Al-Lami's office desk reportedly criticized his ex-wife and the justice system, naming individuals he considered corrupt and asserting he was the victim of abuse. The note prompted police to ensure the safety of those named.
Court records indicate Al-Lami was on probation for threatening to cause bodily harm to his ex-wife in 2024. During a trial earlier this year, Al-Lami represented himself and declined a peace bond offer. His ex-wife had testified that he stopped paying child support after their 2022 divorce and sent a disturbing email in 2024.
In that email, Al-Lami allegedly wrote, "I will kill everyone around her and your pimp… in a very wild and savage way. I won’t kill you. I will leave you alone, disabled in a wheelchair that you can’t move, even to visit your loved ones’ graves." He also stated he would make her "a worldwide story" and that she would "pay for it." The ex-wife testified she was concerned about her children's safety and felt "unpredictability" living with his threats.
Ottawa police stated that their investigation is ongoing and further information will be released after forensic examinations are complete. The names of the children will not be released out of respect for their mother, whom police are supporting. Authorities acknowledged the community's shock and urged residents to check on one another and seek support if needed.