Tumbler Ridge mass shooting investigation enters final stage, Premier says
BC Premier David Eby says RCMP told the province the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting probe is in its final stages, with a coroner’s inquest and calls for inquiry.
The provincial government said Wednesday that the RCMP has informed officials the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting investigation is approaching its conclusion. Premier David Eby told reporters after meeting Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka in Victoria that investigators have signalled they are in the last stages of evidence gathering and case work. The announcement comes roughly three months after the attacker, identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar, killed eight people — including six schoolchildren — before taking his own life on Feb. 10.
Police investigation enters final stage
The RCMP has privately notified the provincial Ministry of Public Safety that the criminal investigation into the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting is nearing completion. Premier Eby said the force did not provide a firm timeline or precise date for when the investigation will be closed. Officials stressed they will monitor developments closely and expect further public updates from the RCMP when the file is ready to be released.
Coroner opens formal inquest process
Provincial coroner-in-chief Dr. Jatinder Baidwan announced in March that a coroner’s inquest into the deaths will proceed, with details on the hearing’s timing and venue to be set after the police wrap up their active investigation. The coroner’s office indicated the inquest will examine the circumstances of the deaths and generate findings that may inform policy and practice. Coroner-led proceedings are independent of criminal investigations and focus on establishing facts and contributing factors related to the fatalities.
Mayor seeks resources for 2,600-resident community
Mayor Darryl Krakowka travelled to Victoria to press for supports and to ensure Tumbler Ridge — a town of roughly 2,600 people — receives sustained assistance. Krakowka said provincial teams have provided mental-health professionals and other supports since the incident to help residents cope with trauma and loss. He described a community still processing grief, with some residents beginning to mourn while others continue to struggle with the immediate shock of the events.
Conservative caucus reiterates demand for public inquiry
The BC Conservative caucus has renewed calls for a full public inquiry that would go beyond a coroner’s inquest, seeking to assign responsibility and probe systemic failures. Larry Neufeld, the MLA for Peace River–South who represents the area, urged the premier to commit to a public process that would answer broader questions about service access and systemic shortcomings. Claire Rattée, the party’s mental-health critic, argued a public inquiry could examine whether gaps in mental-health services and supports contributed to the tragedy.
Provincial government signals multiple review options
Premier Eby said the coroner’s inquest will yield important findings and that the provincial government will consider all available tools to address outstanding questions. Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger has previously suggested a joint commission with the federal government could be an option, though she stopped short of committing to such a step. Mayor Krakowka acknowledged that any decision on a public inquiry would rest with provincial leaders once coroner’s work is complete.
The debate around whether to hold a public inquiry centres on scope and aims, with supporters saying it would allow a comprehensive look at systemic issues. Advocates for a public probe want an examination that includes health services, emergency response, school and youth supports, and any gaps in care for people with mental-health challenges. Officials caution that criminal, coroner and public-review processes serve different purposes and that sequencing and timing must respect active investigations.
Community recovery and mental-health supports
Authorities have emphasized ongoing mental-health support for survivors, families and first responders in Tumbler Ridge, noting the long-term nature of recovery after mass violence. Provincial teams were deployed early to provide counselling and trauma services, and local leaders continue to press for sustained access to care. Mayor Krakowka highlighted the resilience of young people in the town while stressing the need for continued investment in services.
As the RCMP moves toward concluding its criminal inquiry, families and community members are awaiting clear timelines for the coroner’s inquest and any subsequent reviews. The province has pledged to follow the investigative timeline and to use findings to inform policy choices. Residents, elected officials and advocacy groups continue to call for transparency and accountability as the region navigates the next stages of legal, medical and societal response.
Public officials have asked for patience while investigations proceed, saying thoroughness is essential to ensure accurate findings and fair outcomes. The coming weeks are likely to see announcements on the coroner’s hearing schedule and further statements from both provincial and federal representatives. Community leaders insist that, regardless of process, recovery and supports for victims’ families must remain a priority.
The town of Tumbler Ridge continues to grieve, prepare for formal proceedings and press governments for answers and resources as investigations progress.
