Five people, including three children and a shooter, were found dead in the northern Ontario city of Sault Ste. Marie after shootings at two homes. The police called it a tragic case of intimate partner violence. The community of Sault Ste. Marie was deeply mourning the shootings that took place on the night of Oct. 23. Chief Hugh Stevenson expressed his condolences, stating that the grief the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims are facing is unimaginable.
The police assured the public that the shootings were not random acts of violence and that there was no ongoing risk to public safety. Due to the nature of the case as intimate partner violence, the names of the victims and the accused would not be released. The police were alerted to the shootings late on the night of Oct. 23. They first discovered the body of a 41-year-old after receiving a call about a break-and-enter at a home. The shooter had fled, but about 10 minutes later, they received another call about someone with a weapon at a home three kilometers away. In that second home, three children between the ages of six and 12 were found dead, along with a 45-year-old who was injured. The shooter, a 44-year-old, was also found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The community of Sault Ste. Marie was in shock over the tragic events. Tyson Jikinosky, a local resident, described it as an “ugly scenario” that came as a shock to the small town. The Algoma District School Board mourned the loss of three students and offered support to the impacted schools. Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Matthew Shoemaker called it an “unspeakable tragedy” and extended condolences and support to the families of the victims.
Premier Doug Ford expressed his grief and called it a “senseless loss of life.” He emphasized that the whole province of Ontario mourned the tragedy. The police spokesman, Lincoln Louttit, stated that investigators had gathered more information about the shooter through witness testimonies. The investigation was ongoing, and officers remained at the scene of both homes.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder to the community to watch out for each other and support one another during this difficult time.