On July 13, 2024, in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, a tragic incident took place where two distinguished teachers, Patrick Montgomery and Andrieana Montgomery, were fatally shot. The former couple left behind two young sons.
Both aged 42, Patrick and Andrieana were discovered in separate residences on the same street, each with gunshot wounds. Despite being separated, they had chosen to live in proximity to each other to jointly raise their sons, Connor, aged 12, and Owen, aged 10.
Upon receiving the distress call, Durham Regional Police arrived at the scene and first found Patrick, critically wounded. He later succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital. Shortly after, officers found Andrieana in another house on the same street; she had already passed away due to her gunshot wounds.
The police arrested Mark Gordon, a 30-year-old neighbor, at the scene. Gordon, who was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, was known to both victims. He resided in a basement apartment in the same house as Andrieana and her children. The motive behind the crime is still under investigation.
Patrick and Andrieana were well-respected figures in their community, both professionally and personally. Patrick, a former left-winger for the Oshawa Generals hockey team, worked for the Durham Catholic District School Board. Andrieana, an art teacher at Bowmanville High School, was known for her dedication to inspiring students through her passion for the arts.
Mike Modeste, organizer of a GoFundMe campaign to support the bereaved sons, described Patrick as “an active and loving man who could light up a room.” He further noted Patrick’s joy in fatherhood, his active involvement in his sons’ sports activities, and his efforts to build a backyard ice rink for them. Andrieana’s commitment to her children and students was also recognized, with the fundraiser stating, “Motherhood came to her naturally and was a responsibility that she took on with the utmost care, love, and grace.”
The fundraiser has so far collected over $235,000 to cover funeral costs and assist with the children’s future needs. The page has become a tribute to the profound impact that Patrick and Andrieana had on their community, with many heartfelt messages of remembrance and love.
The Oshawa Generals released a statement expressing their condolences, stating, “It is with a saddened heart that the Generals organization express condolences for the passing of former left-winger Pat Montgomery and Andrieana Montgomery. We send our prayers for healing to all those affected.”
Residents and friends are grappling with this devastating loss. Adam Karam-Benton, a neighbor, recalled the aftermath of the shooting, saying he saw Gordon sitting on the curb with his hands up, admitting to the crime. “It was shocking and surreal,” Karam-Benton shared. “I never expected something like this to happen in our neighborhood.”
The ongoing investigation is focused on supporting the Montgomery children and preserving the memory of their parents. The untimely demise of Patrick and Andrieana Montgomery has left a profound impact on their community, the effects of which will be felt for a long time.