Tumbler Ridge Town Mourns After Shooting

A sad event happened in Tumbler Ridge, BC, where a shooter killed eight people. The shooter's stepfather and father have shared their deep sadness. The town is trying to heal.
By Newsroom | Canada, British Columbia |

A Community Grapples with Unimaginable Violence

The small town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, is in deep mourning after a shooting incident on Tuesday resulted in multiple fatalities. The violence, which began at a private residence and extended to the local secondary school, has sent shockwaves through the close-knit community. Amidst the widespread grief, the stepfather of the 18-year-old suspect, Jean-Pierre Jacobs, has issued a statement detailing his personal devastation at the loss of his 11-year-old stepson, Emmett Jacobs, who was among the victims.

Timeline of Tragic Events

On Tuesday, authorities were alerted to a shooting at a residence on Fellers Avenue. At this location, Jennifer Strang, 39, and her son, Emmett Jacobs, 11, were killed. Subsequently, the same day, an active shooter situation was reported at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School around 1:20 PM. The suspect, identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, allegedly opened fire within the school. The violence claimed the lives of a teacher and five students: three 12-year-old girls, a 12-year-old boy, and a 13-year-old boy. Police believe the suspect acted alone and acted as the sole perpetrator in the attacks. Two firearms were found at the school and two at the suspect's home.

Read More: Statements Released After Tumbler Ridge Shooting

Stepfather of Tumbler Ridge shooter says in new statement he is in 'unbearable pain' after losing 11-year-old son - 1

Statements of Loss and Estrangement

Jean-Pierre Jacobs, stepfather to Jesse Van Rootselaar and legally married to the deceased Jennifer Strang, has expressed his profound sorrow. He stated he was in the process of filing for divorce from Ms. Strang.

"When I was around, he loved fishing and being outdoors with me, he was happy, smart and kind. I truly forgive her for it all, despite everything."

Jacobs indicated that the remaining children are staying with Jennifer Strang’s parents and that he intends to seek custody.

Stepfather of Tumbler Ridge shooter says in new statement he is in 'unbearable pain' after losing 11-year-old son - 2

The biological father of the shooter, Justin VanRootselaar, has also released a statement, offering his condolences to the families of the victims. He stated he was estranged from his child, who he referred to as Jesse Strang and used he/him pronouns.

"What has happened has left an ache in the heart of our town that will not soon fade."

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Court records indicate that Jennifer Strang had moved across the country with her children and was subject to a court order preventing her from removing them from British Columbia, following an application by Justin VanRootselaar seeking increased contact. Jesse Van Rootselaar reportedly did not use the VanRootselaar family name.

Stepfather of Tumbler Ridge shooter says in new statement he is in 'unbearable pain' after losing 11-year-old son - 3

The Victims

The victims of the shooting include Jennifer Strang, 39, a teacher at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, and five students: three 12-year-old girls, a 12-year-old boy named Abel, and a 13-year-old boy. Emmett Jacobs, 11, was Jennifer Strang’s son and Jesse Van Rootselaar’s half-brother. Lance Younge, father of one of the student victims, shared that his daughter "was thriving in high school" and had aspirations to attend school in Toronto.

Official Investigations

BC RCMP commanding officer Dwayne McDonald confirmed that Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, was identified as the suspect. McDonald indicated that the teen had had previous interactions with the police. The investigation has prioritized the recovery and analysis of the firearms found at the school and the residence. Authorities stated that the suspect was not related to any of the school victims.

Read More: Tumbler Ridge Grieves After Shooting Kills Eight

Stepfather of Tumbler Ridge shooter says in new statement he is in 'unbearable pain' after losing 11-year-old son - 4

Perspectives on the Shooter's Identity and Relationships

The statements from both Jean-Pierre Jacobs and Justin VanRootselaar highlight different aspects of the shooter's familial connections and their respective levels of involvement. Jacobs, though divorcing Jennifer Strang, referred to Emmett Jacobs as his son and expressed forgiveness towards Jennifer Strang, indicating a shared life that was now irrevocably fractured. VanRootselaar’s statement emphasizes his estrangement from his child, Jesse Strang, and his use of the shooter's preferred name and pronouns. This divergence underscores the complex familial dynamics preceding the tragedy.

Community Impact and Unanswered Questions

The violence in Tumbler Ridge has left a palpable void. The community, still processing the event, faces the daunting task of healing. Questions remain regarding the full extent of Jesse Van Rootselaar's interactions with authorities and the underlying factors contributing to the extreme violence. The loss of eight lives, including young students and a teacher, has cast a long shadow over the town.

Conclusion

The shooting in Tumbler Ridge represents a profound tragedy for the community and the families directly affected. The statements from Jean-Pierre Jacobs and Justin VanRootselaar offer a glimpse into the personal grief and familial complexities surrounding the events. Investigations are ongoing to fully understand the circumstances leading to this devastating loss of life. The immediate aftermath involves supporting the surviving family members, particularly the children under the care of Jennifer Strang’s parents, and tending to the emotional wounds of the town.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened in Tumbler Ridge?
A young person shot and killed eight people, including children and a teacher, in Tumbler Ridge, BC.
Q: Who was the shooter?
The shooter was an 18-year-old named Jesse Van Rootselaar.
Q: Who were the victims?
The victims included a teacher, five students, and two other people, including an 11-year-old boy.
Q: How are the shooter's families reacting?
The shooter's stepfather and biological father have both shared statements expressing deep sadness and grief over the loss of life.
Q: Is the investigation over?
No, police are still looking into the details of the shooting and the firearms used.