Two teachers - a mother and a father - have died after they were both fatally shot while in separate homes.
As reported by PEOPLE, authorities have confirmed that Patrick and Andrieana Montgomery - both 42 - were both killed on July 13 in Oshawa, Ontario.
The two teachers - a former couple who were married but recently separated - had been living in separate residences on the same street.
However, on July 13, Durham Regional Police officers were dispatched to a residential street where they found Patrick Montgomery in one home and Andrieana Montgomery inside another. Both had suffered gunshot wounds and were later pronounced dead.
Seargent Joanne Bortoluss later confirmed in a press conference that a 30-year-old man by the name of Mark Gordon had been arrested in relation to the deaths.
She referred to the incident as "not a domestic-related incident" and added that there is no threat to the public.
Bortoluss says that Gordon knew the victims, but police have not yet established a motive for the murders, CTV News reports. "Our thoughts right now are with those that have been impacted by the tragedy, and we hope to provide you information in the coming days," Bortoluss said
Patrick worked at the Durham Catholic District School Board and Andrieana was a longtime art teacher at Bowmanville High School at the time of her death.
Following the tragic news of their deaths, a GoFundMe has been launched to not only cover funeral costs, but also help support their two now-orphaned sons - aged 10 and 12 - in their futures.
"To say that this is a nightmare is an understatement," the online fundraiser description reads. "I could say a great deal about my dear friends.
"Pat was an active and loving man who could light up a room. He took great joy in being a father, playing sports with his sons, coaching them, and building them a backyard ice rink.
"Andrieana was an incredibly talented artist and brought the arts to life with her boys. Motherhood was something that came to her naturally and was a responsibility that she took on with the utmost care, love, and grace.
"Both were devoted teachers who cared deeply for their students. They lived passionate lives and lived each day to the fullest."
The page adds how the two parents, "above all else", loved their two sons "with all their hearts and did everything they could to give them the best life possible".
As of this writing, more than $225,000 CAD ($163,000 USD) has been raised.
The Oshawa Generals have also taken to X to pay tribute to the couple, as Patrick was a former ice Hockey player.
In a tweet, the team said: "It is with a saddened heart that the Generals organization express condolences for the passing of former left-winger, Pat Montgomery as well as Andrieana Montgomery.
"We send our prayers for healing to all those affected."
Gordon has currently been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and is being held for a bail hearing.
Police are asking anyone with information or potential dashcam or surveillance footage to contact Det. Dorego of DRPS’s Homicide Unit at 905-579-1520, ext. 5319, or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Our thoughts go out to the loved ones of Patrick and Andrieana Montgomery at this time.
