Crime
Suspect Fatally Shoots Family Members and Targets Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia
Authorities have confirmed that multiple victims were involved in a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in northeastern British Columbia, prompting an emergency alert and a large-scale response from law enforcement and medical personnel.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) issued a Police-Initiated Emergency Alert on Tuesday afternoon following reports of gunfire at the school.
In an official statement released at approximately 1:20 p.m., RCMP confirmed officers were actively responding to a โconfirmed active shooter incidentโ at the campus.
Residents throughout Tumbler Ridge were immediately ordered to shelter in place, lock their doors, and avoid leaving their homes or businesses. Officials also urged anyone outside the immediate area to stay clear and comply with all police restrictions.
The suspect was initially described as a female with brown hair wearing a dress. However, in a subsequent update, authorities stated that the original suspect is believed to have been located deceased.
Investigators are continuing to determine whether a second suspect may have been involved and are working to establish the total number of victims.
A woman identifying herself as Anna told Channel2 NOW, who said she moved to Tumbler Ridge several months ago, described the incident as the most devastating tragedy she has witnessed in her lifetime.
According to her account, a young man โ whom she alleged was disguised in female clothing โ fatally attacked his mother, younger brother, and sister before reportedly going to the local high school.
Anna characterized the events as deeply heartbreaking and urged parents to reflect on the seriousness of the tragedy and its impact on families and the broader community. She also extended her prayers and condolences to the students, parents, and families affected by the incident.
Police have not yet released information regarding how many individuals were injured or whether anyone remains in critical condition.
School District 59 confirmed it was aware of a lockdown and โsecure and holdโ procedures implemented at both Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and Tumbler Ridge Elementary School as a precaution.
BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) confirmed it is actively responding to the ongoing incident.
โWe can confirm that we are working collaboratively with our colleagues in Northern Health and the RCMP,โ said Brian Twaites, Paramedic Public Information Officer. โWe will provide additional details when we are able to.โ
STARS Air Ambulance, based in Alberta and specializing in the rapid transport of critically ill and injured patients, also dispatched a crew from Grande Prairie to assist with the emergency response.
The District of Tumbler Ridge released a statement acknowledging the emotional toll on the community.
โOur community has experienced a deeply distressing incident. Our hearts are with all those affected, and we recognize that many residents may be feeling shocked, scared, and overwhelmed.โ
Local officials expressed gratitude for the swift actions of first responders and confirmed that additional support resources were either already in the community or en route.
โIn the days ahead, we know this will be difficult for many to process,โ the statement added.
Additional police resources have been deployed from neighboring detachments, including the North District Emergency Response Team. Officers continue to secure the area, gather evidence, and assess whether any ongoing threats remain.
Authorities have emphasized that the situation should still be treated with caution. Residents are advised not to approach the scene, report suspicious activity immediately, and call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
The emergency alert remains in effect for Tumbler Ridge and surrounding areas within the RCMP-designated radius. No suspect images have been released, and authorities caution that details may change as new information emerges.
This remains an active and evolving investigation involving multiple victims. Residents are urged to remain sheltered, vigilant, and attentive to official updates while authorities work to determine the full scope of the incident.
Crime
Jerome DeWayne Hughes, 35, Fatally Shot During Bonfire Gathering in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama
A gathering among friends turned into a devastating tragedy Sunday night when 35-year-old Jerome DeWayne Hughes was fatally shot during a bonfire gathering in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. His death has left family members, friends, and others who were present mourning a sudden and heartbreaking loss.
Authorities have arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with the fatal shooting. The suspect, identified as Derrick Lamont Edwards Jr., is facing a murder charge as investigators continue working to establish what led to the deadly confrontation.
According to the Tuscaloosa County Sheriffโs Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 10:20 p.m. Sunday to the 4300 block of Culver Road, west of Tuscaloosa, following reports of a shooting.
Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit Captain Jack Kennedy said the shooting occurred during a social gathering around a bonfire. What had begun as an evening spent with friends ended in violence, prompting an emergency response and a homicide investigation.
Hughes had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to DCH Regional Medical Center for emergency treatment, but despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead.
His death has left loved ones grieving a life lost during what was supposed to be an ordinary gathering among friends.
Following interviews with witnesses and an examination of the crime scene, investigators obtained a murder warrant for 23-year-old Derrick Lamont Edwards Jr.
Authorities reported that Edwards was taken into custody within a few hours of the shooting through coordinated efforts involving the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit and the U.S. Marshals Service.
He has been charged with murder and is being held without bond, according to the information provided.
The charge is an allegation, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system. Edwards is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Although investigators have made an arrest, important questions about the shooting remain unanswered.
Authorities have not publicly explained what led to the confrontation, whether there was an argument before the gunfire, or what may have motivated the alleged attack.
Detectives continue gathering information and reviewing evidence as they work to establish the full sequence of events.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit detectives at 205-464-8690.
At 35 years old, Jerome DeWayne Hughes had a life and future that mattered to the people who knew and loved him. His sudden death has left family members and friends facing the painful reality of losing someone close to them.
The gathering on Culver Road was supposed to be an opportunity for people to spend time together. Instead, it became the setting of a fatal incident that has deeply affected those connected to the tragedy.
For Jeromeโs loved ones, the days ahead will bring grief, difficult questions, and memories of a man whose life ended far too soon.
As the investigation continues, thoughts and condolences remain with the family and friends of Jerome DeWayne Hughes, as well as everyone affected by the shooting.
May Jerome be remembered with love and compassion, and may his family find strength and comfort during this heartbreaking time.