On July 13, 2024, a tragic event unfolded in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Two respected educators and former partners, Patrick Montgomery and Andrieana Montgomery, were fatally shot, leaving their two sons orphaned.

Both Patrick and Andrieana Montgomery, 42, were discovered with gunshot wounds in separate residences located on the same street. They had chosen to live in close proximity after their separation to effectively co-parent their children, Connor, 12, and Owen, 10.

When Durham Regional Police arrived at the scene, they first located Patrick Montgomery critically injured. He succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital. Following this discovery, officers received information that led them to Andrieana Montgomery in another house on the same street, where she was found dead from gunshot wounds.

The authorities apprehended Mark Gordon, a 30-year-old resident of the same street, at the scene. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. The police confirmed that Gordon was acquainted with both victims; Gordon and his partner and child lived in a basement apartment of the home where Andrieana and her sons resided upstairs. The investigation into the motive behind the crime is ongoing.

Both Patrick and Andrieana were cherished by their community. Patrick, a former left-winger for the Oshawa Generals hockey team, was employed at the Durham Catholic District School Board. Andrieana, an art teacher at Bowmanville High School, was known for her commitment to stirring her students’ interest in the arts.

Mike Modeste, the organizer of a GoFundMe campaign initiated to support the Montgomery children, spoke about Patrick’s enthusiasm for fatherhood and his consistent involvement in his sons’ activities. He also highlighted Andrieana’s dedication to both her children and her students. The fundraiser has since collected over $235,000 to assist with funeral costs and future support for the children.

The campaign page has become a tribute to the Montgomerys, filled with heartfelt messages and memories from those who knew them. The Oshawa Generals also released a statement expressing their condolences and offering prayers for all those impacted by the tragedy.

The community has been left reeling in the wake of the incident. Adam Karam-Benton, a resident of the same street, described the surreal aftermath of the shooting. He recounted seeing Gordon on the curb with his hands raised, allegedly admitting to the crime.

As the investigation proceeds, the primary concern is the well-being of the Montgomery children and preserving the memory of their parents. The tragic passing of Patrick and Andrieana Montgomery has left a profound impression on their community, the effects of which will be felt for a long time.