“To the families who have lost loved ones, and to every person who has been affected by this senseless and unforgivable act of violence, I offer my most heartfelt condolences,” Justin VanRootselaar wrote in a statement to CBC News. In his statement, Justin VanRootselaar refers to his child as Jesse Strang and uses he/him pronouns to describe her. According to police, Jesse Van Rootselaar was assigned male at birth and began transitioning to female about six years ago. At that time, Jennifer Strang had spent years apart from her former partner, moving across the country with her children. What has happened has left an ache in the heart of our town that will not soon fade,” he said.

Source: CBC News February 13, 2026 12:36 UTC