RCMP Probe Deadly Tumbler Ridge Shooting
RCMP continue investigating the Tumbler Ridge shooting, confirming victims, recovered firearms, and that the motive remains undetermined.
Tumbler Ridge
By Elke Porter | WBN News Global | February 12, 2026
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TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have released additional information as they continue investigating a deadly series of attacks that occurred earlier this week in the northeastern British Columbia community of Tumbler Ridge.
Police confirmed that Jennifer Strang, 39, and her 11-year-old son Emmet Strang were killed at their family home prior to the shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. At the school, Shannda Aviugana-Durand, a teaching assistant, was fatally shot. Students Abel Mwansa, Ezekiel Schofield, Kylie Smith, and Zoe Benoit also died at the school. Maya Gebala was transported to hospital with critical injuries and later died from her injuries. Authorities stated that the victims’ identities were released with family consent and that victim support services remain available to those affected.
Police identified the shooter as Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, who is also deceased, a local resident who was not attending school at the time of the incident and had withdrawn from formal education approximately four years ago. RCMP confirmed that Van Rootselaar was born biologically male and had been identifying as female for approximately six years. Authorities stated that this information is provided for identification purposes only and does not indicate motive.
According to investigators, the incident began at a private residence, where Van Rootselaar fatally shot her mother, aged 39, and her 11-year-old stepbrother. A young female relative at the home escaped and alerted neighbours, who contacted emergency services. Police have said that the call related to the residence was received approximately 17 minutes after the first reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Following the attack at the home, Van Rootselaar proceeded to the secondary school, where she opened fire. Police later located her inside the school, where she was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.
RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald stated that the suspect had a history of mental health-related contact with police. The most recent interaction occurred in the spring of last year and involved concerns related to mental health and potential self-harm. Police emphasized that prior contact does not imply criminal intent.
RCMP also confirmed that Van Rootselaar had previously possessed a firearms licence, though it had expired. She did not have any firearms registered in her name. Investigators recovered a long gun and a modified handgun at the scene. Police have not yet determined how the firearms were obtained or by whom, and that aspect of the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities have stated that it is too early to determine a motive. No manifesto or statement of intent has been identified. As the investigation continues, officials have urged the public to avoid speculation and rely on verified information, while the community grapples with the impact of a tragic and complex event.
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