Teen boy shoots and kills parents before turning gun on himself

A teenage boy has shot his parents dead before killing himself in their family home in Canada, police say.

Ashton Desormeaux, 17, and his parents Brian, 46, and Janet Desormeaux, 43, were already deceased when police responded to a call to the Ontario property at around 6.20pm on October 30. The teenager's sister Lee Ann Desormeaux was reportedly not with her family when the incident occurred.

Greater Sudbury Police Service say they suspect that the 17-year-old student at St. Charles College in Sudbury shot his parents before turning the gun on himself.

"Through the investigation and working in collaboration with the Coroner's Office, it has been determined that the youth took the lives of his parents and then took his own life," they revealed in a statement. So far, detectives found no evidence that Ashton had been diagnosed with or was receiving therapy for a mental health-related illness.

"This is an extremely tragic situation that has deeply impacted families, friends and the community. Our deepest condolences go out to everyone who has been affected by this incident and we ask that you respect the privacy of the family’s loved ones during this very emotional time," police continued.

Tributes flow for slain family

Ashton and his father were a part of a local arm-wrestling club and had attended competitions together prior to the incident. Both of them reportedly participated in the Sudbury Arm Wrestling championship that took place just a week before the shooting.

"Brian was not only an arm wrestler, but a friend, role model, teacher, promoter and like a dad to many of the younger pullers. He had a tough looking exterior but was a truly nice guy underneath. He cared about his family and the sport of arm wrestling…he was a good community member who helped out anyone who needed it," the club posted on their Facebook profile.

The post continued praising Janet, saying: "You gave your family all of you…something you couldn't ask for more in a mom and wife."

Finally it concluded by saying: "Ashton, you were the next generation of arm-wrestling greats. Your passion as a child and youth for the sport is what we all want from our younger pullers. You were fierce and fiery on the table and proved that you could back up your words."

Meanwhile, friends of the family have initiated a fundraising campaign to help the parents' surviving daughter with funeral costs.

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"We have tragically lost these three valuable parts of our team and community. However, their daughter Lee Ann, a young student at Laurentian University, will now face the daunting task of making funeral arrangements for those she held most dear," The GoFundMe description stated.

"As we deal with this incredible loss, she is now facing a future without her family and biggest cheerleaders. We hope this campaign will assist her in getting through the next few months of meeting some of the biggest challenges of her life."

CEN/Australscope

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