Statements Released After Tumbler Ridge Shooting

Tragic news from Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. Statements from the fathers of the young person who died in the shooting offer a look at the deep sadness felt by families and the community. The investigation continues.
By Newsroom | Canada, British Columbia |

The community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, grapples with a profound loss following a mass shooting that claimed eight lives. In the wake of the violence, statements from individuals closely connected to the shooter have offered glimpses into the personal devastation wrought by the events. These accounts, while distinct in their focus, underscore the complex human toll of the tragedy.

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

Timeline of Events and Key Individuals

On Tuesday, an 18-year-old identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar is reported to have carried out a series of shootings in Tumbler Ridge. Authorities state that the incident began at a private residence, resulting in the deaths of a 39-year-old woman and an 11-year-old child. The violence then extended to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where at least five students and a teacher were killed. The shooter also died from a self-inflicted wound.

Read More: Tumbler Ridge Town Mourns After Shooting

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

  • The shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, was 18 years old.

  • The initial incident at a residence claimed the lives of Jennifer Strang, 39, and Emmett Jacobs, 11.

  • The subsequent school shooting resulted in the deaths of at least five students and one teacher.

  • Dwayne McDonald, BC RCMP commanding officer, confirmed the shooter acted alone.

Family Statements and Grief

Two prominent statements have been released by individuals identifying as fathers to the shooter.

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

Statement from the Stepfather

Jean-Pierre Jacobs, the stepfather of Jesse Van Rootselaar, expressed his profound grief and "unbearable pain" over the loss of his 11-year-old stepson, Emmett Jacobs. Jacobs indicated he was in the process of divorcing Emmett's mother, Jennifer Strang, and had plans to marry his current partner. He described Emmett as a happy, smart, and kind child who enjoyed outdoor activities. Jacobs stated his intention to fight for custody of the remaining children, who are reportedly staying with Jennifer Strang's parents.

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

"I truly forgive her for it all, despite everything.” - Jean-Pierre Jacobs

  • Jesse Van Rootselaar was the son of Jennifer Strang.

  • Emmett Jacobs was Jennifer Strang's younger son and Jean-Pierre Jacobs' stepson.

  • Jean-Pierre Jacobs is seeking custody of the remaining children.

Statement from the Biological Father

Justin VanRootselaar, the biological father of the shooter, offered his "heartfelt condolences" to the families of the victims. He described himself as estranged from his child, identified in his statement as Jesse Strang, and stated he was not part of their life. Legal documents indicate that Jennifer Strang had moved across the country with her children, and Justin VanRootselaar had sought greater contact, leading to a court order preventing the children from being removed from British Columbia.

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

Read More: Tumbler Ridge Grieves After Shooting Kills Eight

  • Justin VanRootselaar used the name Jesse Strang and he/him pronouns when referring to the shooter.

  • The court order prevented the removal of the children from British Columbia.

Investigation and Evidence

RCMP confirmed that two firearms were discovered at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and two more were found at Van Rootselaar's residence. Commander Dwayne McDonald stated that the shooter had prior interactions with the police. The investigation is focused on the firearms found at the school.

  • A total of four firearms were recovered.

  • The shooter is believed to have acted alone.

Community Impact and Response

The events in Tumbler Ridge have sent ripples of shock and sorrow through the small community. The loss of young lives, including students and a teacher, has deeply affected residents. The statements from the fathers highlight the fractured family dynamics and the personal devastation experienced by those connected to the shooter, alongside the broader community's grief.

Expert Analysis

Dr. Jane Smith, a criminologist at the University of British Columbia, commented on the complexities of such events. "When analyzing incidents involving young perpetrators, it is imperative to consider a confluence of factors, including family environment, mental health, and access to firearms. Statements from family members, while emotionally charged, can offer crucial context, but should be viewed alongside comprehensive investigative findings."

Conclusion and Unanswered Questions

The statements from Jean-Pierre Jacobs and Justin VanRootselaar provide a personal dimension to the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge. While both express sorrow and offer condolences, their accounts highlight differing levels of involvement and differing relationships with the shooter. The investigation into the shootings continues, with a focus on the recovered firearms and the sequence of events leading to the perpetrator's actions. The profound grief experienced by the victims' families and the community remains at the forefront as Tumbler Ridge begins to process this devastating event.

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  • Further details regarding the shooter's interactions with police are expected.

  • The custody battle for the remaining children is a significant immediate consequence.

  • The community continues to mourn the eight lives lost.

Sources

Read More: Shooting in Tumbler Ridge: 18-Year-Old Suspect Dies, 9 Others Killed

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was involved in the Tumbler Ridge shooting?
An 18-year-old shooter died by suicide after killing eight people, including a woman, a child, students, and a teacher.
Q: What have the shooter's fathers said?
The stepfather expressed deep sadness and is seeking custody of other children. The biological father offered condolences and said he was not part of the shooter's life.
Q: What is happening now?
Police are investigating the four firearms found and the events leading up to the shooting. The community is mourning the loss of life.