Did the Nova Scotia shooter have help? Mounties exploring possibility

NOVA SCOTIA (NEWS 1130) – With at least 22 people killed at 16 different crime scenes, Mounties are looking into whether the man believed to be responsible for Canada’s worst mass shooting acted alone.

“The investigative team is focused on learning more about this very tragic situation, including accurate victim information and whether others may have aided the suspect,” the Nova Scotia RCMP said in its most recent update, Tuesday afternoon.

It added whether 51-year-old Gabrial Wortman is the only suspect is part of its investigation, after confirming the RCMP uniform he was wearing during last weekend’s shooting rampage was real. It’s still not clear how he got his hands on one. Neither is the motive.

The shooting began Saturday night in Portapique, when police officers responded to a “possible shooting incident” at a home. When they arrived, several victims were found inside and outside the home with the suspect — later identified as Wortman — on the loose. The rampage ended almost 12 hours later, 92 kilometres away in Enfield, with Wortman shot and killed by police.

“Nova Scotia RCMP are currently at 16 specific locations in the communities of Portapique, Wentworth, Debert, Shubenacadie/Milford and Enfield to gather evidence and learn more about what occurred at each location,” Mounties said.

Mourning amid the pandemic

Meanwhile, family and friends of the victims are trying to mourn them in the midst of the pandemic, which is hampering the traditional grieving process. Gatherings in Nova Scotia are limited to five people because of COVID-19 restrictions, so a virtual vigil is being planned for Friday night, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expected to take part.

“Unfortunately we are having to ask people to mourn virtually, and we will find a time collectively when we are able to remember the events of Sunday in a way that can bring us more together physically,” Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang said Tuesday.

Condolences also continue to pour in from all around the world as more of the victims are identified. A Facebook group called Nova Scotia Strong already has more than 11,000 members, with messages of support coming in from as far as Germany and Colombia.

Law enforcement agencies are also offering condolences after the Nova Scotia RCMP confirmed one of its own members was killed in the shooting spree.

“To our brothers and sisters on the East Coast of Nova Scotia, from your brothers and sisters here on the West Coast at Ridge Meadows detachment, know that we will remember and honour Constable Heidi Stevenson for her bravery, her commitment, and her ultimate sacrifice,” Ridge Meadows RCMP Superintendent Jennifer Hyland says in a video recorded by the Lower Mainland force.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=W2fFz-DcbFs&fbclid=IwAR3W2gdCuMsj4lsH6EzfUuS2rcffY0SyVe74LlivlJnCa7lqMOVWfrkWJKg&app=desktop

Stevenson, a 23-year veteran of the RCMP and mother of two children, died while trying to stop the shooter. Other victims include teacher Lisa McCully, nurses Kristen Beaton and Heather O’Brien, denturist Gina Goulet, correctional officers Sean McLeod and Alanna Jenkins, and family of three Jolene Oliver, Aaron Tuck and Emily Tuck.

Nova Scotia RCMP has said the shooter knew some of the victims.

-With files from NEWS 95.7 in Halifax

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