RCMP identify perpetrator in Tumbler Ridge mass shooting that left 9 dead, 27 injured

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At the end of the news conference, RCMP clarified the ages of the victims.

Those found dead at the school were a female teacher, 39, three girls, all 12, and two boys – one 12 and one 13. The victims found at the VanRootselaar family home were a 39-year-old woman and an 11-year-old boy, both related to the suspect.

McDonald described the student victims as "quite young." He said most were born in 2012 and 2013, which would make their ages between 12 or 13.

One was found in a stairwell and the rest were found in the school library.

Police did not get to the VanRootselaar home until about 2:45 p.m. MST on Tuesday, according to McDonald. 

A young female relative at the home went to a neighbour’s house and the neighbour called police, McDonald said. The deaths at the home occurred first, before the suspect went to the high school.

McDonald said VanRootselaar identified as female but was assigned male at birth. McDonald said she began to transition about six years ago.

The officer said police have not found any note yet from VanRootselaar but it's possible one was written.

VanRootselaar was not currently attending Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and had dropped out about four years ago, McDonald says.

McDonald said police had responded to VanRootselaar's home for mental health-related calls over the last several years. He said some of the calls dealt with weapons.

He said firearms were seized from the home and the lawful owner of the firearms petitioned to have them returned, and they were.

Among the dead are an adult female educator, three female students and two male students, RCMP said. Another adult female and male youth were found dead at a residence. 

McDonald said it is believed the people in the residence are the mother and the step-brother of the suspect.

A total of nine people died, not 10, according to McDonald. Police initially believed a female victim with significant injuries had died yesterday, but later confirmed she is still alive. She was airlifted to hospital in serious condition, McDonald said.

McDonald says two firearms, a long gun and a modified handgun were recovered by responding officers. The role they played will be a significant part of the investigation, he says.

McDonald identifies the suspect as Jesse VanRootselaar, 18, of Tumbler Ridge.

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