A chilling image has emerged of Jesse Van Rootselaar, the 18-year-old accused of carrying out one of Canada’s deadliest school shootings in decades.The tragic attack unfolded on February 10 at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, leaving eight people dead and dozens injured.According to CNN, the victims included three 12-year-old girls, two boys aged 12 and 13, and a 39-year-old female teacher. Authorities also confirmed that Van Rootselaar killed their 39-year-old mother, Jennifer Strang, and 11-year-old stepbrother at a nearby home before heading to the school.

One photo, shared by News.com.au, shows Van Rootselaar grinning while holding a rifle. Other images posted on Facebook by their grandmother were meant to celebrate Jesse’s 14th birthday in August 2021, with the caption: “Happy 14th birthday to our grandson Jesse!! Love you always!! XOXO.”Authorities say Van Rootselaar, who had dropped out of high school four years ago, had a history of mental health struggles.RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald confirmed that police had previously visited the family home multiple times due to concerns about their wellbeing. “On different occasions the suspect was apprehended for assessment and follow up,” McDonald said.Van Rootselaar was born male but publicly identified as female, and firearms had been seized from the family home in the past, though they were later returned after a successful petition from a lawful owner. Social media posts indicate that Van Rootselaar had access to firearms and was passionate about hunting.