Stratford Police Service have confirmed that a shooting in the north-end of the city that left two people dead and another two with serious injuries was a murder-suicide.
The shooter was identified by police as Ricky Bilcke, 31. They said investigation revealed Bilcke had been involved in an ongoing neighbour dispute.
Police received multiple 911 calls about gunshots in the area of Bradshaw Drive and McCarthy Road West around 10:45 p.m. on Thursday.
After investigating overnight and throughout Friday, police determined that Bilcke opened fire from across the road with a high powered rifle, striking the first victim Jonathan Bennett. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Bilcke then gathered a shotgun, went onto the road and shot 43-year-old David Tokley, who police say is currently being treated in London for life-threatening injuries.
Stephanie Irvine, who police say exited her residence and was targeted by Bilcke, was also taken to hospital with "life-altering injuries." Bilcke then took his own life, according to police.
"Stratford Police would like to send condolences to all individuals impacted and we would like to reassure everyone that there is no further threat to the public as a result of this incident," police said in a statement issued Friday morning.
A section of Bradshaw Drive has been cordoned off and is expected to remain that way until Saturday as police are still on scene.
While police were asking that anyone with video surveillance from the area submit the footage to them online, they also request that social media videos be removed out of respect for the victims.
They remind anyone who was impacted by this devastating event that Victim Services are available 24/7. You can reach them by phone at 1-866-863-4108 or online.