Labib Khawas facing 2 attempted murder charges

An Ottawa real estate agent whose daughter had one of her fingers cut off and whose wife suffered multiple stab wounds has been charged with two counts of attempted murder.

Labib Khawas, 55, was charged and made a brief court appearance by video on Monday, and he will remain in custody until his next court appearance on Thursday. He was ordered not to communicate with members of his family.

The charges come after an incident Saturday night at his home on Links Drive, north of the small village of Ashton and bordering the Canadian Golf & Country Club.

Police and paramedics were called at about 11:15 p.m. Saturday in an incident police said was a domestic assault involved a weapon and two victims.

Multiple sources told CBC News a woman in her 20s had one of her fingers cut off with a knife.

Her mother, who is in her 50s, was slashed in the neck with a knife and suffered from multiple defence wounds, including cuts on her forearms and hands. Both mother and daughter ran to the home of a neighbour, who placed the call to 911.

Both women remain in hospital. Ottawa paramedics said they cannot release details about the injuries because a police investigation is under way, but they say the women were seriously hurt.

Khawas had been working as an agent at Coldwell Banker First Ottawa Realty for a few months, according to owner Ross Webley.

"I'm totally surprised to hear of this news. Although Mr. Khawas has only been with us for a few months, he was always smiling," said Webley in a statement. "Our hearts go out to everyone involved."

Khawas's lawyer said Monday he could not comment on the case because didn't yet know the basis of the charges.

The investigation continues.