British Columbia 2026 Homicide Victim List
On February 10 at approximately 1:20 p.m., Tumbler Ridge RCMP responded to reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. A Police Initiated Public Alert was issued as officers rushed to the scene. The alert was lifted at 5:45 p.m. after police confirmed there were no outstanding suspects and no continued threat to the public.
Officers entered the school as part of their initial response to locate and stop the threat. During their search, they discovered several victims inside the building. Police also located a deceased teen believed to be responsible for the shooting, who appeared to have died from a self-inflicted injury. The shooter has been identified as 18-year-old female named Jesse Van Rootselaar.
Authorities confirmed that six victims, in addition to the suspected shooter, were found deceased within the school. Two individuals were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries. Around 25 others were assessed and treated at the local medical centre for injuries considered non-life-threatening.
All remaining students and staff were safely evacuated from the school. RCMP are working alongside the school district to coordinate reunification efforts and support affected families.
Police said the victims at the school were a 39-year-old female educator, two male students, ages 12 and 13, and three 12-year-old female students.
Two firearms, a long gun and a modified shotgun, were recovered at the scene.
As the investigation unfolded, officers identified a second location where they located the suspect’s 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old step-brother dead in the family home.
BC RCMP Major Crime has taken over the investigation and is working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
“This was a rapidly evolving and dynamic situation, and the swift cooperation from the school, first responders, and the community played a critical role in our response,” says Superintendent Ken Floyd, North District Commander. “Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and all those impacted by this tragic incident. This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional day for our community, and we are grateful for the cooperation shown as officers continue their work to advance the investigation.”
Update, On February 12th RCMP released the identities of the victims:
- Abel Mwansa: 12-years-old
- Ezekiel Schofield: 13-years-old
- Kylie Smith: 12-years-old
- Zoey Benoit: 12-years-old
- Ticaria Lampert: 12-years-old
- Shannda Aviugana-Durand: 39-years-old
- Emmett Jacobs: 11-years-old
- Jennifer Jacobs: 39-years-old
Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.