WARNING: This story contains details of intimate partner violence.
In the home where police discovered two deceased brothers – both believed to have been killed by their father, Mohammed Al-Lami, who then took his own life – investigators uncovered a note on Al-Lami’s office desk, as reported by .
The handwritten note spanned several pages, where Al-Lami expressed anger towards his ex-wife, the boys’ mother, and criticized both the criminal justice and Family Court systems that he claimed had wronged him.
He insisted that history would show he was the victim rather than an abuser, accusing his ex of being the real aggressor. He alleged that the judicial system favored mothers while neglecting fathers’ rights.
Additionally, he named three individuals he considered corrupt, which prompted a special unit from the Ontario Provincial Police – known as the Justice Officials Protection and Investigation Section – along with an Ottawa police homicide investigator to reach out to them for their safety.
“Because I believe I’m right.”“Are you serious?” Bourgeois queried.
“Yes.”“Am I really hearing this correctly?”
“Yes.”The Ottawa Courthouse on Elgin Street in September 2022. (Matthew Kupfer/CBC)
“This isn’t going anywhere good for anyone involved.” The judge stated.
“If there’s an opportunity for peace bond available here take it!”[emphasis hers]“You cannot refuse something like that while expecting someone else still represents you at trial-no no! This is-“Al-Lami interrupted Bourgeois twice prompting her raise her voice saying,“Stop.”.The judge continued: This behavior may explain difficulties finding new legal counsel;. “A peace bond means-you wouldn’t have criminal or civil liability attached! It’s practically everyone’s ideal outcome.”
A ‘key indicator’ of abuse
Clarissa Arthur, executive director at Nelson House of Ottawa Carleton shelter for women and children, noted that blaming others and evading accountability are common traits in abusive individuals. These characteristics serve as “red flags” in relationships. “Externalizing responsibility is a key indicator” of potential intimate partner violence, Arthur stated. Instead of accepting blame themselves, perpetrators tend to shift blame onto “individuals, life situations or societal systems. They see it as everyone else’s fault for what they’re experiencing.” The people mentioned by Al-Lami in his note include an Ottawa Family Court judge and the defense attorney who represented him for over a year in criminal court until their professional relationship deteriorated. Firefighters inspect damage to a dental office in Iroquois, Ont., that was firebombed Monday. Police believe the scene is connected to the murder-suicide. (Arthur White-Crummey/CBC)Al-Lami wanted lawyer to keep representing him
As reported by CBC, Al-Lami was under active probation during the time of Monday’s killings after being charged in 2024 with making threats via email against his ex-wife and her current partner. Court documents obtained by CBC reveal that Al-Lami insisted on being tried by a judge after being offered a peace bond to settle those charges because he believed it would vindicate him. In December 2025, according to records acquired by CBC, Al-Lami’s defense attorney applied for removal from representing him against Al-Lami’s wishes. Another lawyer appearing on behalf of this attorney informed Justice Julie Bourgeois that Al-Lami had made various allegations against his lawyer and threatened to report him to the Law Society of Ontario. “It’s reached a point where it’s clear counsel can’t maintain a healthy relationship with their client and therefore can’t represent them adequately without endangering both parties,” said this other lawyer. Sitting in public view, Al-Lami told the judge he wanted his lawyer to continue representing him but did not wish to resolve his charges. “What he’s trying to do, Your Honour.. he’s trying to pressure me into accepting a peace bond with the Crown-and I’m not agreeing,” explained Al-Lami.‘Because I believe I’m right’
“Excuse me excuse me,” interrupted Justice Bourgeois. “You were offered a peace bond? And you said no [emphasis hers]?” “Yes,” replied Al-Lami. “So instead you want a trial?” “Yes,” answered Al-Lami once more. After pausing briefly he added,“Because I believe I’m right.”“Are you serious?” Bourgeois queried.
“Yes.”“Am I really hearing this correctly?”
“Yes.”The Ottawa Courthouse on Elgin Street in September 2022. (Matthew Kupfer/CBC)
‘Take [peace bond] and run’: judge
The judge scoffed at this stance and approved request from Al-Lami’s attorney wanting out of representation.“This isn’t going anywhere good for anyone involved.” The judge stated.
“If there’s an opportunity for peace bond available here take it!”[emphasis hers]“You cannot refuse something like that while expecting someone else still represents you at trial-no no! This is-“Al-Lami interrupted Bourgeois twice prompting her raise her voice saying,“Stop.”.The judge continued: This behavior may explain difficulties finding new legal counsel;. “A peace bond means-you wouldn’t have criminal or civil liability attached! It’s practically everyone’s ideal outcome.”
This isn’t just stubbornness-it seems illogical!”
