GoFundMe launched to support Oshawa family rocked by double murder

A family friend has launched a GoFundMe for Patrick and Andrienna Montgomery, who were both shot and killed minutes apart in a quiet Oshawa suburban neighbourhood Saturday afternoon.

A 30-year-old Oshawa man who was living in Andrienna Montgomery’s basement is facing two counts of first-degree murder after both Montgomerys were shot in their respective residences, located about 400 metres apart near Jane Avenue and Glenforest Street, just south of the Oshawa Airport.

The couple, who have two young boys, were going through a separation but still lived in the same neighbourhood to be close to the children.

Durham Police say they were called to the area at 12:35 p.m. after reports of gunfire. Patrick Montgomery, 42, was found at his home suffering from gunshot wounds and was transported vis Ornge ambulance to a Toronto trauma centre. He died during transport.

Investigating officers then searched the nearby home belonging to Andrienna Montgomery, also 42, and discovered she had also been shot. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The accused, Mark Gordon, was taken into police custody without incident and has been held for a bail hearing.

Police said that the accused knew the victims but are insisting the shootings are not domestic-related. The motive behind the murders, police said, is still under investigation.

Pat Montgomery was a former junior hockey star with the Oshawa Generals who played 184 games with the club between 1999 and 2002. Adrienna Montgomery was a talented artist. Both were also teachers.

Mike Modeste, a close friend to both Montgomerys for many years, is organizing the GoFundMe campaign, which had already raised more than $39,000 towards a goal of $150,000 by Monday evening.

“To say that this is a nightmare is an understatement,” said Modeste, who talked about their “two beautiful sons” in Connor, 12, and Owen, 10. “In life, their #1 concern was the well-being of Connor and Owen.”

“I could say a great deal about my dear friends,” Modeste said in the GoFundMe. “Pat was an active and loving man who could light up a room. He took great joy in being a father, playing sports with his sons, coaching them, and building them a backyard ice rink. Andrienna was an incredibly talented artist and brought the arts to life with her boys. Motherhood was something that came to her naturally and was a responsibility that she took on with the utmost care, love, and grace.”

“Both were devoted teachers who cared deeply for their students. They lived passionate lives and lived each day to the fullest. Above all else, they loved Connor and Owen with all their hearts and did everything they could to give them the best life possible.

Modeste hopes their friends and the community can help the Montgomery family through an “incredibly difficult time” by extending a helping hand in the midst of heartbreak.

“In the face of such unthinkable tragedy, let us come together to support the families. I thank you for your generosity, kindness and support.”

To contribute to the fund, visit Donate here.