Shots fired before blaze

Estranged hubby gunned down mom, 3 kids before torching home: Autopsies

By JON WILLING, OTTAWA SUN

A MOTHER and her three children were shot before their bodies burned in Sunday's grisly domestic murder, police confirmed yesterday.

Although the bodies haven't been positively identified, they are believed to be those of Francine Mailly, 37, and her children, Jessica, 12, Brandon, 9, and Kevin, 6.

"Preliminary (autopsy) results say they were shot and then the fire was set," said Staff Sgt. Monique Perras.

Perras didn't know where on their bodies they had been shot or what kind of gun was used. A .22-calibre rifle was found at the entrance to the Dunning Rd. bungalow in Cumberland that was levelled by a fiery blast Sunday night. Two other buildings on the property also caught fire. A note found in a minivan parked in the driveway indicated Frank intended to kill his family.

No gunshot wounds were found on the body of Frank Mailly, Francine's estranged husband who died from injuries he received in the fire.

DENTAL RECORDS USED

The autopsies, which are being conducted by pathologists in Ottawa, will rely on dental records to positively identify the woman and children.

"That tells you how badly the bodies are burned," Perras said, adding the process isn't expected to take much longer.

The bodies were found 8-15 feet from each other, but determining which room they died in has been difficult because the house collapsed during the fire.

Police are still trying to determine where the fire originated and what kind of accelerant was used to start it.

Last night, Frank's younger brother Shawn said his family will hold a separate funeral service for Frank, apart from the service for Francine and the children, at the request of Francine's family.

"I can understand their anger and bitterness at this point," Shawn Mailly said.

Mailly's family anticipates burying with Frank's remains personal items in remembrance of Francine and the children, who will also be honoured at Frank's service, which will likely be held next week.

Shawn said he has been the "shoulders" of his family as they try to understand the tragedy. He said he's been relying on emotional support from his 11-year-old daughter, Shawna, who has lost her three cousins.

"Jessica was like her best friend and sister at the same time, and Brandon and Kevin little brothers," Shawn said.

"Without her and my wife, I probably wouldn't be able to go through this."

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