Ottawa Woman Found Dead in Suspected Femicide Case

Ottawa Police are investigating the tragic death of a 47-year-old woman, identified as Jennifer Zabarylo, in a suspected femicide that occurred on Sunday evening at a residence on Lady Slipper Way.

Emergency services were dispatched to the location at approximately 6:40 p.m., where they found the victim suffering from traumatic injuries. Despite efforts to revive her, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Jennifer Zabarylo was a civilian employee with the Department of National Defence and had a long-standing affiliation with the Royal Canadian Navy. According to a statement from the Department, they expressed shock and sadness over her untimely death, offering support to her family and colleagues.

In addition to her role at National Defence, she also worked at Public Services and Procurement Canada for eighteen years. The department has extended its condolences to her loved ones during this difficult time.

Michael Zabarylo, 55, has been charged with second-degree murder in relation to her death. Neighbors have indicated that the victim and the suspect were married, leading Ottawa Police to classify this incident as a femicide, defined as the killing of women based on their gender, often occurring in the context of intimate partner violence.

This case marks the first time that the Ottawa Police Service has publicly used the term femicide to describe a homicide investigation. Authorities stressed the importance of language in raising awareness regarding violence against women.

Although specific details surrounding the incident remain undisclosed, local residents expressed shock at the occurrence, noting that the area is typically quiet and family-oriented.