Cyprus Times

Tragedy in Canada: 18-Year-Old Transgender Woman Kills Eight, Including Six Children

Published February 13, 2026, 09:13
Tragedy in Canada: 18-Year-Old Transgender Woman Kills Eight, Including Six Children

Canada is in shock following a horrific attack carried out by an 18-year-old transgender woman, Jessie Van Ruitelaar, leaving eight people dead, including six children. The attack began at her home, where the perpetrator killed her mother, Jennifer Strang, and her 11-year-old half-brother, Emmett, and continued at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where she shot and killed six more people before taking her own life. Among the victims is 12-year-old Kylie Smith, who is described by her family as a bright and talented girl with a passion for art. Also among the victims are 12-year-old Abel Muansa, known for his smile, and his love for science, and 12-year-old Zoe Benoit, who is characterized as resilient and vibrant. Additionally, Tikaria Lambert, 12, and Ezekiel Schofield, 13, lost their lives. The Van Ruitelaar family had a nomadic lifestyle in recent years, moving between various locations in Canada. Court documents from 2015 show that the family faced challenges and that the mother had been ordered to return with the children to British Columbia. The tragedy has plunged the community into mourning and sparked serious concerns about mental health and violence prevention. Local authorities and psychologists are providing psychological support to the families of the victims and students at the school.