RCMP apprehended the half-brother of the deceased Tumbler Ridge, B.C., shooter on a nationwide warrant for violating bail conditions while awaiting trial for attempted murder. Jacob Jan Van Rootselaar, 22, was first taken into custody on October 15, 2024, in Fort McMurray, Alberta, after an alleged break-in and stabbing incident, according to court documents. Despite facing attempted murder charges, Van Rootselaar was granted bail under the condition to reside initially at a treatment facility in Drayton Valley, Alberta, and later in Tumbler Ridge under constant house arrest until his trial scheduled for this December.
Jacob Van Rootselaar shares a paternal connection with Jesse Van Rootselaar, also known as Jesse Strang, the 18-year-old assailant who tragically killed five students and a teacher at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Prior to the school shooting, Jesse murdered her 11-year-old half-brother, Emmett, and their shared mother, Jennifer Strang, aged 39, on February 10. The nature of the relationship between Jesse and Jacob remains unclear, as Jesse’s biological father indicated that he was not involved in Jesse’s upbringing and did not have a relationship with her.
Following his disappearance from his approved residence, warrants were issued for Jacob Van Rootselaar’s arrest on February 18. He was eventually located in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, on February 19, where he was charged with breaching his bail conditions and possession of brass knuckles, a prohibited weapon, as confirmed by Alberta RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff. Court records reveal that Van Rootselaar is now facing seven new charges, including weapons offenses and violations of court orders.
Jacob Van Rootselaar is currently in custody in Red Deer, Alberta, awaiting his next court appearance in March.