Ottawa realtor's attempted murder charge leaves boss in 'disbelief'

The former boss of an Ottawa realtor charged with attempted murder says he’s in “complete and utter disbelief” by allegations the man attacked his wife with a baseball bat.

Chris Hoare, 44, was charged with attempted murder after he allegedly attacked his wife on Wednesday outside their Orleans home.

Several neighbours CBC News spoke with, including the neighbour who called 911, said they saw the woman who lives in the home lying on the driveway in her pyjamas, bleeding.

• Ottawa realtor charged with attempted murder

Police later recovered a baseball bat from the home's garage. Hoare was arrested at the scene.

Hoare worked at Paul Rushforth Real Estate and he also appeared on Rushforth’s weekly radio talk show on CFRA, Open House,  as a real estate expert.

Rushforth spoke for the first time Saturday about the incident in a statement before his show.

“I feel that I need to address the much-publicized tragedy that happened with the Hoare family this week. The incident has hit very close to home and we're all in complete and utter disbelief as to the events that have occurred,” he said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are for the physical and emotional recovery of a mother and her five young children whose lives have been turned upside down. They need our support as they begin to pick up the pieces and start the long road to recovery and healing.”

Rushforth went on to thank the community for their outpouring of support for the family.

Neighbours said Hoare was well liked and they would often see the couple strolling through the community with their five children. The children are now staying with other family members.

Hoare appeared in court via video link on Thursday and Friday. His bail hearing is scheduled for April 11.