Deaths of Harrow, Ont., mother, children were case of intimate partner violence, initial investigation finds
WARNING: This story con‐ tains discussion of inti‐ mate partner violence and suicide.
Three family members in Harrow, Ont., south of Wind‐ sor, died of gunshot wounds in June, the Ontario Provinci‐ al Police announced on Sat‐ urday.
Carly Walsh, 41, and her children, Madison, 13, and
Hunter, 8 - who were found dead in their home on June 20 - died of gunshots wounds, OPP Sgt. Ed Sanchez said in a video posted to OPP West Region's social media accounts.
Sanchez also said that Steve Walsh, Carly's husband and the children's father, who was also found in the home, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
"The initial investigation has determined that this is a case of intimate partner vio‐ lence," he said. "Intimate partner violence is a serious public problem in Ontario."
The incident has had a "huge impact" on Harrow be‐ cause it is a small, tight-knit community where everybody knows everybody, Essex May‐ or Sherry Bondy previously told CBC News.
Bondy said Carly Walsh was very involved in the com‐ munity, working local jobs, coaching soccer and working at the youth centre.
"We have such a small community and everything's connected. Just about every area of the town is im‐ pacted."
Dozens of people came to mourn Carly, Madison and Hunter at a funeral on Tues‐ day in Windsor.
For anyone affected by family or intimate partner vi‐ olence, there is support avail‐ able through crisis lines and local support services. If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.
If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to get help:
Those in the Windsor-Es‐ sex area of Ontario can also call Hôtel-Dieu Grace Health‐ care's 24-hour crisis line: 519973-4435.