Crime
Who Was Wess Roley? Suspect Identified in Deadly Idaho Wildfire Ambush
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Authorities have identified Wess Roley as the gunman responsible for Sunday’s horrifying ambush on Canfield Mountain that left two firefighters dead and a third critically injured.
According to law enforcement, Roley deliberately set a wildfire and then opened fire on responding fire crews, luring them into a deadly trap.
Roley, whose body was discovered Sunday evening near a firearm, was found in the rugged terrain of Canfield Mountain outside Coeur d’Alene. A law enforcement official confirmed his identity to Channel2 NOW on Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing investigation.
The incident began around 1:21 p.m. on Sunday when emergency calls were made reporting a brush fire in the heavily wooded hills of Canfield Mountain.
As first responders from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire & Rescue arrived to assess and contain the fire, gunfire erupted.
Two firefighters were struck and killed during the initial ambush.
A third firefighter was also shot and transported to a local hospital in critical condition. He later underwent emergency surgery and is now reported to be in stable condition.
Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said during a press briefing that the attack was a premeditated ambush, likely carried out using a high-powered rifle.
“This was a total ambush. These firefighters did not have a chance,” Sheriff Norris stated.
Scanner traffic from the chaotic scene captured the fear and urgency as firefighters came under attack:
“Send law enforcement right now! There’s an active shooter zone… everybody’s shot up here!” one firefighter called out over the radio. He also warned others: “Stop. Do not come up here.”
Another firefighter could be heard suggesting that the fire had been intentionally set to draw them in:
“It’s clear to me that this fire was set intentionally to draw us in.”
As the situation escalated, Sheriff Norris authorized law enforcement to engage with deadly force.
By 4:30 p.m., he had deployed two helicopters carrying snipers, with instructions to neutralize the shooter if an opportunity presented itself.
“I was hoping someone would have a clear shot and be able to neutralize the threat,” Norris said. “There was no indication the suspect planned to surrender.”
Roley was found deceased shortly after, although it remains unclear whether he was shot by law enforcement or died by suicide.
Sheriff Norris later confirmed that based on ballistic trajectory and the weapons recovered, investigators believe Roley acted alone.
While Roley’s motive is still under investigation, authorities suspect he intentionally ignited the fire to ambush emergency responders. Sheriff Norris stated that further evidence, including additional weapons, may be recovered from the scene.
As the wildfire continued to spread to more than 20 acres, fire crews were pulled back due to ongoing gunfire.
Northern Lakes Fire Chief Pat Riley confirmed that no further fire personnel would be deployed until the threat had been fully eliminated.
On Sunday evening, the bodies of the two fallen firefighters were transported from Kootenai Health to Spokane, Washington, in a solemn multi-agency procession.
Fire trucks, ambulances, and police vehicles escorted them along the highway, while locals lined overpasses waving flags and offering salutes in a poignant tribute.
Idaho Governor Brad Little called the incident a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters”, adding that he and his wife were “heartbroken” by the tragedy.
“I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more,” the governor posted on X.
Other state and federal officials also weighed in:
- Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated her office was closely monitoring the situation, promising: “Justice will be served.”
- FBI tactical and technical teams responded to the scene to assist local law enforcement.
- The Idaho House Republican Leadership issued a statement: “We are horrified by the murder of two firefighters in Coeur d’Alene and shocked by such a vicious attack on our first responders. We are praying for them, the injured, their families, and their colleagues.”
Canfield Mountain, a popular hiking and biking area just outside Coeur d’Alene, became a war zone on Sunday. Its thick vegetation and complex trail system presented both tactical challenges and vulnerabilities for those responding to the emergency.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to learn more about Roley’s background, motivations, and whether he had any known grievances or warning signs prior to the ambush.
This is a developing story, and further details will be released as they become available.
TAUNTON, Mass. — One person was killed and seven others were injured in an overnight shooting at a house party in Taunton, Massachusetts, authorities said.
The shooting happened at approximately 12:35 a.m. Sunday at a residence in the 261 Weir Street area. Taunton police officers responded after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots.
When officers arrived, they found several people suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators were also informed that additional victims had already been transported to area hospitals for medical treatment.
Authorities ultimately identified eight shooting victims, all of whom were reportedly in their early 20s.
One of the victims, 22-year-old Zirovick Depina of Brockton, was pronounced dead early Sunday morning, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Of the seven surviving victims, one remains in serious but stable condition, while the others suffered injuries that were considered non-life-threatening. Their identities have not been publicly released.
The shooting occurred during a gathering at the residence. Images from the scene showed a tent and tables in the yard, along with white balloons and what appeared to be a photo backdrop near a garage.
A neighbor told authorities that large gatherings and loud parties had reportedly been common at the residence.
The home is located about a mile from the Taunton Police Department headquarters. The neighbor expressed concern about the shooting occurring in the area, particularly given the late-night activity.
The investigation is being conducted by Taunton Police, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, and other investigative units. Detectives are working to determine what led to the gunfire and identify those responsible.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Taunton police or investigators with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information is expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.