Tragedy in Ottawa: Tracy Duncan Identified as Victim in Carousel Crescent Homicide; Police Investigate as Femicide
OTTAWA, ONTARIO – A heartbreaking act of violence has shaken the Ottawa community following the tragic death of 54-year-old Tracy Duncan, who was found deceased in her home on Carousel Crescent on the morning of June 2, 2025. The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) confirmed that officers were dispatched to the residence around 11:30 a.m. after receiving reports of a deceased individual. Upon arrival, officers located Tracy, and despite immediate efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators have since arrested a 57-year-old male suspect, who has been charged with second-degree murder. Authorities have not yet released his name as part of the ongoing investigation, but they have confirmed that Tracy’s death is being treated as a femicide, a term used to describe the gender-based killing of a woman, often at the hands of a partner or someone known to the victim.
This devastating loss has sent shockwaves through the community and reignited important discussions surrounding gender-based violence and the urgent need for systemic solutions to prevent further tragedies.
A Life Lost, A Community in Mourning
Those who knew Tracy Duncan describe her as a kind-hearted, empathetic woman with a generous spirit and an unwavering dedication to her loved ones. Neighbors and friends recall her as someone who was always quick to lend a hand and offer comfort to others.
“She had a warmth that was magnetic,” one longtime friend shared. “To think that her life ended this way—it’s just incomprehensible.”
Family members have asked for privacy during this incredibly difficult time as they grapple with the loss of a woman they say was “the heart of the family.”
Femicide: A National Crisis
Tracy’s murder is not an isolated case—it’s part of a disturbing pattern of violence against women in Canada. The fact that her death is being officially classified as femicide underscores the broader issue of intimate partner and gender-based violence that continues to claim lives across the country.
According to the Canadian Femicide Observatory, a woman or girl is killed every 48 hours in Canada, often by a current or former intimate partner. Advocates say the public must treat these tragedies as a public health and human rights crisis.
“This is not just about individual crimes. This is a systemic issue that affects women in every province and territory,” said one representative from a local women’s advocacy organization. “Tracy’s story deserves justice—not only in the courtroom but in the commitment we all make to ending gender-based violence.”
Ongoing Investigation
The Ottawa Police Homicide Unit continues to investigate the case, piecing together the events that led to Tracy’s death. At this time, police believe the victim and suspect knew one another, though they have not specified the nature of their relationship.
Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could support their investigation. Anyone with tips or insights related to the incident is urged to contact the Ottawa Police Homicide Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5493, or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online
Support Services Available
In response to the emotional toll this incident has taken on the community, local support organizations are reminding residents that help is available for those affected by trauma, domestic violence, or grief.
Organizations like Ottawa Victim Services and Interval House of Ottawa offer confidential support, shelter, and counseling services for women and families impacted by domestic abuse.
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Ottawa Victim Services: 613-238-2762 |
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Interval House of Ottawa: 613-234-5181 |
Remembering Tracy Duncan
As Ottawa begins to mourn the loss of another woman taken far too soon, many are choosing to remember Tracy not by how she died, but by how she lived—with strength, warmth, and love. Candlelight vigils and memorials are expected to be organized in the coming days to honor her memory and raise awareness about the ongoing fight against femicide and domestic violence.
The legacy of Tracy Duncan should serve as both a remembrance and a call to action. Her story is a painful reminder that behind every headline is a person who mattered deeply—and a community left to pick up the pieces.