In a shocking incident in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, two respected teachers, a couple who were still married but had separated, were fatally shot on July 13, 2024, leaving their two young sons orphaned.
The victims, Patrick Montgomery and Andrieana Montgomery, both 42, were discovered in different residences on the same street, each succumbing to gunshot wounds. Despite their separation, the pair lived in close proximity to each other for effective co-parenting of their sons, Connor, 12, and Owen, 10.
The Durham Regional Police responded to the incident and initially found Patrick Montgomery critically injured. He subsequently died while being transported to the hospital. Soon after, Andrieana Montgomery was discovered dead from gunshot wounds in another home on the same street.
Mark Gordon, a 30-year-old local resident, was apprehended at the scene and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Authorities confirmed that Gordon was acquainted with both victims. The motive for the crime is currently under investigation. Gordon, his partner, and their child were tenants in a basement apartment of the house where Andrieana and her children resided upstairs.
Both Patrick and Andrieana Montgomery were prominent and respected members of their community. Patrick, a former player for the Oshawa Generals hockey team, was employed at the Durham Catholic District School Board. Andrieana was an art teacher at Bowmanville High School and was known for her passion for arts education.
An online GoFundMe campaign was launched to provide financial support for their sons. The campaign’s organizer, Mike Modeste, hailed Patrick as “an active and loving man who could light up a room.” He also lauded Andrieana’s dedication to motherhood and her students, stating, “Motherhood came to her naturally and was a responsibility that she took on with the utmost care, love, and grace.”
The fundraiser has since garnered over $235,000 to help defray funeral costs and secure the future of the Montgomery children. The page is filled with heartfelt messages expressing love and remembrance for Patrick and Andrieana, reflecting their profound impact on their community.
The Oshawa Generals extended their condolences, stating, “It is with a saddened heart that the Generals organization express condolences for the passing of Pat Montgomery and Andrieana Montgomery. We send our prayers for healing to all those affected.”
Residents in the area are grappling with the tragic event. Adam Karam-Benton, a neighbor, recounted the aftermath of the shooting, saying he saw Gordon sitting on the curb with his hands up, confessing to the crime. “It was shocking and surreal,” Karam-Benton shared. “I never expected something like this to happen in our neighborhood.”
As the investigation unfolds, the primary focus is on supporting the Montgomery children and preserving the memory of their parents. The tragic loss of Patrick and Andrieana Montgomery has left a profound impact on the Oshawa community that will be felt for years to come.
