Police have released an undated photograph of 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who investigators have identified as the suspect in the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School shooting. RCMP
Police have released a photograph of the 18-year-old suspect in the Tumbler Ridge school shooting as they try to stop false claims spreading online.
Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald spoke outside Tumbler Ridge Town Hall on Friday. He said people on social media have shared the image of someone who has no connection to the tragedy. He also confirmed that a person in Ontario with a similar name has faced wrongful accusations.
“Zylii, this did not need to happen. We know you are not involved,” he said.
McDonald urged the public and media to rely only on confirmed details. He warned that misleading posts and incorrect photos continue to circulate online.
“There’s also many false flags and false trails on the internet, a lot of social media that is coming out that is factually inaccurate, a lot of allegations, a lot of photos pertaining to be the suspect, videos, etc., that are not,” McDonald told reporters Friday. “That’s why we urge extreme caution in the sharing of those images or the propagation of online hate or response, because it unfortunately can target innocent individuals.”
Victims Identified
Police confirmed that five students and one educator lost their lives at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. The victims include 12-year-olds Kylie Smith, Zoey Benoit, Ticaria Lampert, and Abel Mwansa Jr., along with 13-year-old Ezekiel Schofield. Educator Shannda Aviugana-Durand, 39, also died in the attack.
Authorities said the suspect’s mother, Jennifer Jacobs, 39, and stepbrother, 11-year-old Emmett Jacobs, died earlier at their home.
Two students, Maya Edmonds and Paige Hoekstra, remain in hospital with injuries.
Police said the suspect died by suicide after officers entered the school.
Police Describe Suspect’s Actions
McDonald said investigators do not believe the suspect targeted specific individuals at the school.
“This suspect was, for lack of a better term, hunting. They were prepared and engaging anybody and everybody they could come in contact with,” he said.
Investigators continue to review the suspect’s online activity and past interactions with police as they work to understand what led to the violence.
Firearms Under Review
Officers recovered four firearms, two from the home and two from the school. McDonald said a shotgun believed to have been used at the house was not registered. Police have not yet confirmed how the suspect obtained the main firearm used at the school.
Investigators are working to trace the origins of the weapons. McDonald declined to say whether any of the seized guns had previously been taken from the home and later returned.
Investigation Ongoing
Forensic teams remain at the school and continue their work through the weekend. Police expect to clear the home scene soon. Officials also expect autopsies to conclude by the end of the weekend.
Investigators have already interviewed more than 80 students, staff members and first responders. Officers continue to gather statements and ask anyone with photos or videos to upload them through a secure online portal.
Police say they will share further updates as the investigation continues.
