Brother of Tumbler Ridge Shooter Arrested on Canada-Wide Warrant
Jacob Jan Van Rootselaar, the older brother of Tumbler Ridge shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar, has been arrested and charged, as confirmed by Alberta RCMP on Tuesday. The 22-year-old was taken into custody on Thursday in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, based on an outstanding Canada-wide arrest warrant issued from a 2024 Fort McMurray attempted murder investigation.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
According to Cpl. Troy Savinkoff, who communicated with National Post via email, Jacob Jan Van Rootselaar was apprehended following the execution of the warrant. He was scheduled to appear in court in Red Deer on Monday. In addition to the attempted murder warrant, he faces two counts of weapon offences and five counts of failure to comply with release conditions. Savinkoff stated that Van Rootselaar has been brought before a Justice of the Peace and remanded into custody, pending his court appearance at the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer.
Connection to Tumbler Ridge Massacre
The arrest is linked to the tragic events in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, where a mass shooting on February 10 resulted in the deaths of five students and a teacher. This incident is considered one of the worst mass shootings in Canadian history. The shooter, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, was found dead at the scene, after allegedly killing his mother, 39, and half-brother, 11, as his first victims. The community has been deeply affected by this violence, with victims including individuals such as Kylie Smith, Abel Mwansa, Zoey Benoit, Ticaria Lampert, Ezekiel Schofield, Emmett Jacobs, and Jennifer Jacobs.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The arrest of Jacob Jan Van Rootselaar highlights the broader investigation into criminal activities associated with the Van Rootselaar family. Authorities are continuing to piece together the events leading up to the Tumbler Ridge shooting and any potential connections to other crimes. The Canada-wide warrant underscores the seriousness of the charges and the collaborative efforts of law enforcement across provinces to address violent offences.
As the case progresses through the legal system, further details may emerge regarding the attempted murder investigation in Fort McMurray and how it relates to the Tumbler Ridge tragedy. The RCMP has emphasized their commitment to ensuring justice is served for all victims involved.
