Crime
Two Alabama Teenagers Found Fatally Shot in Nashville Woods Identified
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two Alabama teenagers found shot to death earlier this week in a wooded area near Percy Priest Lake in Nashville.
According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, the victims have been identified as Amir Landan Wilkerson, 19, and Jamie Valdez-Garcia, 18, both residents of Alabaster, Alabama.
The bodies were discovered shortly before 2 p.m. on Monday by a passerby walking along a wooded trail near the Lincoya Bay Apartments.
The area where they were found is part of the Army Corps of Engineers property.
Police said both teens had been shot multiple times.
Wilkerson was identified on Tuesday after investigators found his wallet at the scene. The identity of Valdez-Garcia was confirmed the following day.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the two teens traveled from Alabaster to Nashville on Sunday — the last day they were seen by their families.
Authorities have not yet determined the purpose of their trip or the circumstances that led to their deaths.
The motive remains under investigation, and no suspects have been publicly identified.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463, and a reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more details become available.
Crime
Who was Jesse Strang? Tumbler Ridge Secondary School Shooting Suspect Identified as Transgender Student
Authorities are continuing to investigate the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, that left at least 10 people dead, including multiple victims at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and two individuals at a separate residence connected to the case.
While the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have not formally released the suspect’s identity, the alleged shooter has been identified by a close family member as 17-year-old Jesse Strang, a student at the school.
The outlet stated it spoke with Russell G. Strang, identified as the suspect’s uncle, who claimed that Jesse was responsible for the attack and described the teen as transgender.
Law enforcement has not publicly confirmed these details, and investigators have urged the public to rely on verified information as the case remains active.
According to RCMP, gunfire was first reported at approximately 1:20 p.m. at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Responding officers discovered six victims deceased inside the building, while a seventh victim later died while being transported to a hospital.
Two additional victims were airlifted to regional medical facilities with serious or life-threatening injuries, and roughly 25 others were evaluated for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.
During the investigation, officers identified what they described as a “secondary location believed to be connected to the incident.” At that residence, police located two additional victims who were pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspected gunman is also deceased, reportedly from what investigators believe to be a self-inflicted injury.
“Officers are conducting further searches of additional homes and properties to determine whether anyone else may be injured or otherwise linked to today’s events,” the RCMP said in a statement.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed profound sorrow following the tragedy.
“I am devastated by this shooting. I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens,” Carney said.
Tumbler Ridge, a remote community of approximately 2,400 residents in the Northern Rockies region of northeastern British Columbia, is now grappling with the aftermath of one of the deadliest acts of violence in its history.
Crisis support resources and emergency personnel have been mobilized to assist victims, families, and residents affected by the tragedy.
In the wake of the shooting, strong opinions and commentary have circulated online regarding the suspect’s identity, gender, and possible motives.
Authorities have not established a motive, nor have they confirmed personal details about the suspect. Officials caution against spreading speculation or attributing the attack to any ideology or group without verified evidence.
The investigation remains active as law enforcement works to confirm the suspect’s identity, reconstruct the timeline of events, and determine what factors led to the violence.
Additional updates are expected as authorities continue to gather and verify information.
Officials are urging anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement and encouraging the public to respect the privacy of the victims’ families during this time of profound loss.