A tragic incident unfolded in Stratford, Ont., on Aug. 1, resulting in a quadruple shooting stemming from a long-standing “neighbour dispute.” The shooting left two individuals dead, including the suspected shooter, and two others seriously injured.
The Stratford Police Service received multiple 911 calls alerting them to gunshots in the vicinity of Bradshaw Drive and McCarthy Road West in the city of 31,000 residents at 10:45 p.m.
Upon arrival, police discovered four victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Two of the victims succumbed to their injuries, while the other two were rushed to Victoria Hospital in London for treatment.
One of the hospitalized victims is in critical condition, while the other is being treated for a severe injury with long-term implications.
One of the deceased victims was initially taken to Stratford General Hospital before being pronounced dead.
Investigations into the incident revealed that Ricky Bilcke, 31, allegedly opened fire on the victims following an ongoing dispute with his neighbors before taking his own life.
According to authorities, Bilcke first shot 36-year-old Jonathan Bennett with a high-powered rifle from across the road, leading to Bennett’s death. Bilcke then reportedly used a shotgun to shoot 43-year-old David Tokley as he entered the roadway, causing life-threatening injuries.
The third victim, Stephanie Irvine, was shot after leaving her residence.
The shooter allegedly fired several more shots during the assault on the victims before turning the gun on himself, ending his own life.
Police in Stratford have closed off part of the area on Aug. 2 as investigations are ongoing at the scene. They are also appealing to witnesses and neighbors for any surveillance footage.
In light of the sensitivity of the situation, authorities are requesting the removal of any videos of the incident posted on social media out of respect for the victims and all those affected by the tragedy.
Individuals with video footage of the crime are encouraged to submit it to the police online.
Stratford is situated approximately 150 kilometers west of Toronto.
