Ashley Strang holds a photo of her sister-in-law Jennifer Strang, also identified by police as Jennifer Jacobs, and nephew Emmett, who were killed by Strang’s oldest child in a shooting spree in Tumbler Ridge.Jesse Winter/The Globe and Mail
Family members of two of the victims of the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., say they worry that their loved ones’ stories are being overshadowed because of their family’s connection to the shooter.
Russell Strang Jr. and his wife, Ashley Strang, the brother and sister-in-law of Jennifer Strang, told The Globe and Mail in an interview, and in a written statement, that they are struggling with how to grieve because of the horrifying way their relatives were slain on Tuesday along with six other residents of Tumbler Ridge.
Tight-knit Tumbler Ridge pulls together after ‘unimaginable’ tragedy
Jennifer Strang, 39, and her son Emmett Jacobs, 11, were the first two victims of 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar – the eldest child of Jennifer Strang – who went on a shooting rampage on Tuesday. She killed her mother and half-brother at their home before moving onto the local public school, killing six more and eventually turning the gun on herself.
Community members place flowers during a vigil to honor the victims of the Tumbler ridge mass shooting on Friday.PAIGE TAYLOR WHITE/AFP/Getty Images
In a statement to The Globe, Russell Strang Jr. and his wife described the shooting as an “awful and selfish act” by their estranged niece. The couple lives in Tumbler Ridge as well. They not only lost relatives, but also had connections to many of those killed at the school.
“We mourn the devastating loss of Jennifer, a beloved sister and aunt, and our precious Emmett, a deeply loved nephew and cousin. They were cherished beyond measure,” the Strangs said in their statement.
“It is important to us that their names are remembered,” the statement said. “They were loved. They are loved. And they deserve to be honoured for the beautiful lives they lived.”
Remembering the Tumbler Ridge shooting victims: Eight lives lost
The couple said they had not had contact with their niece for years and did not know the extent of the challenges in the household. They are asking that people not make assumptions that would only add further pain during an already devastating time. “Not all families are close,” the statement said.
Russell Jr. and Ashley said in the statement that they are thankful the Tumbler Ridge community has carried them through the “darkest days of their lives” as they not only mourn their own family but every life lost.
Ashley Strang holds a photo of her nephew Emmett, who was killed alongside his mother.Jesse Winter/The Globe and Mail
Along with a 39-year-old educator, there were five children killed in the attack at the school. The Strangs said they knew many of them.
“These children grew up alongside ours. They were friends with our children. Some we coached in hockey,” they said in the statement. “We want to stand beside everyone – to grieve together, to pray together and to honour every innocent life taken. That is all we want: to be together as a community, supporting one another through this profound loss.”
Separately, in an interview with The Globe at their home on Friday, the couple said the focus should remain on the victims, survivors and families during this time of mourning. Fighting back tears, they described Jennifer and Emmett, hopeful that the community will remember them in this light along with the others.
They described Emmett as a joyful child who loved all animals, but especially dogs, and brought his hands together and wiggled his fingers like a “mastermind” when he was excited. He was a calm, caring, free-spirited kid who loved his mother and siblings.
“Maybe I could have been an uncle that was more involved. The what-ifs just played in my mind that first day, going in circles and circles,” he said, tears falling down his cheeks. “It’s sad because we don’t have that many memories with him.”
The couple described Emmett as a joyful child who loved all animals.Jesse Winter/The Globe and Mail
The couple has urged Jennifer’s surviving children to think about their good memories with Emmett and their mother. Russell Jr. laughed while sharing a story about Emmett and his younger brother John, 10, who accidentally nicked Emmett while casting his fishing rod when they were smaller. Emmett, in his typical calm way, was unbothered.
Russell Jr. said he was aware that his niece was troubled but did not know the extent of it. He said he’s scared to think about what his sister was dealing with behind closed doors. He added that while they were not close, his family saw Jennifer and her other kids around town or at his parents’ house for birthdays and holidays.
Russell Jr. said Jennifer was strong-willed and stubborn but had a full heart for her family and friends.
“She would take her last dollar to pay for something her kids wanted even if she couldn’t pay the bills,” he said, adding that she would pop by occasionally with extra food or gifts.
“She was handed a tough life but was a great person,” Ashley said.