SAULT STE. MARIE – The community is reeling after a murder-suicide that took the lives of three children — a six-year-old, a seven-year-old, and a 12-year-old — in a series of shootings that took place at two homes last night.
An adult victim, 41, also died, as did the shooter, 44, police say.
Police say the incidents are the result of intimate partner violence and the names of the accused and victims are not being released. Police have not released the genders of the victims or the shooter.
Police say the shootings took place at two scenes: one in the 200 block of Tancred Street, and the other in the 200 block of Second Line East.
The shooter had fled by the time officers discovered the first victim, an adult, 41, who was found dead of a gunshot wound when police were dispatched to the Tancred Street home around 10:20 p.m. for a report of a break-in.
Ten minutes later, a 9-1-1 call sent officers to the home on Second Line East for a report of someone with a firearm. Police say officers found a 45-year-old victim injured with a gunshot wound, who was taken to hospital.
Inside, police found the three children, all dead from gunshot wounds. The shooter, 44, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, say police.
While police say they are still investigating, they confirmed the investigations into the shootings at Tancred and Second Line East homes are related. There is no ongoing risk to public safety, they added.
Mayor Matthew Shoemaker offered condolences in a statement Tuesday morning.
"There are no words to adequately address such a tremendous loss," he said. "This is an unspeakable tragedy and on behalf of the City of Sault Ste. Marie, I extend our community’s collective condolences and support to the family and loved ones of the victims."
"Together, as a community, we stand with them and with our brave first responders. We grieve with them as we try to reckon with this inconceivable act of violence. Sault Ste. Marie is a strong and caring community, and I encourage people to look out for one another and offer support during this incredibly challenging time."
The Algoma District School Board issued a statement Tuesday advising that counsellors and support staff are at Boreal French Immersion and Superior Heights, which were “impacted by this tragedy.”
"The entire Algoma District School Board community is heartbroken and mourns the loss of three students,” said director of education Lucia Reece in a release. “We appreciate families and community members minimizing calls to schools during this time. Families at impacted sites will be receiving information later today on how to access additional supports. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who have been affected by this tragic incident."
The school board postponed a board meeting that was scheduled for Tuesday evening.
Police Chief Hugh Stevenson called the deaths ‘tragic and unnecessary.'
"The grief the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims are facing is unimaginable," he said. "Our hearts go out to them. As our community grieves this tragedy, I urge everyone to please watch out for each other. If you are struggling, or if you see someone you know struggling, please make use of the mental health supports available in our community."