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Family Sees Early Movement in 12-Year-Old Victim as Tumbler Ridge Investigation Advances

Police say recovered guns were not registered to the 18-year-old suspect, whose firearms licence had expired.

Overview

  • Maya Gebala, 12, remains in critical condition at BC Children's Hospital after surgery for a brain bleed, with her mother reporting brief movements such as a kick and hand response.
  • Authorities have identified the shooter as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot after attacks that left eight people dead, including children, at a home and the secondary school.
  • Family members say Maya tried to shield classmates by attempting to lock a library door before she was shot in the head and neck, based on accounts shared with media.
  • Investigators recovered a long gun and a modified handgun, neither registered to the suspect; officials have not released a motive and note prior police calls to the family home.
  • Maya’s parents thank supporters, ask people not to politicize the tragedy, and express compassion for the suspect’s late mother, as a GoFundMe for the child’s care raises hundreds of thousands of dollars.