8 victims of Tumbler Ridge trans school shooter identified by RCMP

BC RCMP have released the names of the eight people killed in the February 10 mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge. The victims include two individuals killed at a private residence before the suspect went to a local secondary school, where students and a school staff member were killed.

Police confirmed that the shooting began at a home on Fellers Avenue, where authorities say the suspect killed his mother and brother. Jennifer Jacobs, 39, and Emmett Jacobs, 11, were found dead at the residence. A family member reportedly alerted neighbors, leading to a call to police.

The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, also known as Jesse Strang, killed himself with a gunshot. RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said the suspect was born as a biological male and that authorities “identified the suspect as they chose to be identified in public and social media.” Police said the gunman acted alone.

After the initial killings, the suspect went to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Six victims were killed there: Abel Mwansa, 12; Ezekiel Schofield, 13; Kylie Smith, 12; Zoey Benoit, 12; Ticaria Lampert, 12; and Shannda Aviugana-Durand, 39. Around 25 others were injured in the attack.

“The BC RCMP offers sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, and to the entire Tumbler Ridge community that is grieving alongside them. This is a time of deep sorrow, and many are still processing the weight of this tragedy. We will continue to support the families, respect their wishes, and walk with the community as it begins the long journey toward healing,” said McDonald.