'Tragic and unneccessary' — 3 children among victims of fatal shootings, police say

9:14 a.m. update:

A shooter took their own life last night after killing an adult and three children — a 6-year-old, a 7-year-old and a 12-year-old — in a series of shootings that took place at two homes, say police.

Police say the incidents are the result of intimate partner violence and the names of the accused and victims are not being released. Police have not released the genders of the victims or the shooter.

“Our community is once again faced with the tragic and unnecessary loss of life,” said Police Chief Hugh Stevenson in a release this morning. “The grief the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims are facing is unimaginable. Our hearts go out to them. As our community grieves this tragedy, I urge everyone to please watch out for each other. If you are struggling, or if you see someone you know struggling, please make use of the mental health supports available in our community.”

The shootings took place at two scenes: one in the 200 block of Tancred Street and the other in the 200 block of Second Line East. 

Police say the shooter had fled by the time officers discovered the first victim, an adult, 41, who was found dead of a gunshot wound when police were dispatched to the Tancred Street home around 10:20 p.m. for a report of a break-in. 

Ten minutes later, a 9-1-1 call sent officers to the home on Second Line East for a report of someone with a firearm. Police found a 45-year-old victim injured with a gunshot wound.

Inside, police found the three children, all dead from gunshot wounds. The shooter, 44, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, say police.

Police say they are still investigating, but confirm the investigations into the shootings at Tancred and Second Line East homes are related. There is no ongoing risk to public safety, say police.

Police say the 45-year-old who was injured was taken to hospital.

The following is the full text of a news release issued by Sault Police:

Detectives with Investigation Services continue to investigate five deaths at two residences: one in the 200 block of Tancred Street, the other in the 200 block of Second Line East.

Around 10:20 p.m., 911 Communicators received a report of someone breaking into a residence in the 200 block of Tancred Street. Officers were dispatched to the residence. Upon arrival, officers located one victim - a 41-year-old - deceased from a gunshot wound. The shooter had fled the area prior to police arrival.

Around 10:30 p.m., 911 communicators received another report of someone with a firearm at a residence in the 200 block of Second Line East.

Officers responded and located a 45-year-old victim injured with a gunshot wound. They were taken to hospital.

Upon entering the residence, officers located three victims: a 6-year-old, a 7-year-old, and a 12-year-old, all deceased from gunshot wounds. The shooter, a 44-year-old, was also located deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

As these incidents are the result of intimate partner violence, the names of the accused and victims are not being released.

These investigations are connected. These are not random acts of violence and there is no ongoing risk to public safety.

“Our community is once again faced with the tragic and unnecessary loss of life,” says Chief Hugh Stevenson. “The grief the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims are facing is unimaginable. Our hearts go out to them. As our community grieves this tragedy, I urge everyone to please watch out for each other. If you are struggling, or if you see someone you know struggling, please make use of the mental health supports available in our community.”

Officers remain on scene at both residences as the investigation is ongoing.

2 a.m. update

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is currently investigating two deaths at different residences in the city: one at a home in the 200 block of Second Line East and the other in the 200 block of Tancred Street.

In a social media post, police say both investigations are connected. 

Additional details are limited, but police did say there is no concern for public safety at this time.

Both scenes are reported to be secure and officers remain at the scenes as of 1:50 a.m.

Detectives with Investigation Services have been assigned to the case.

1:25 a.m. original story

Officers with the Sault Police investigations, and tactical units responded to an incident at a residence in the 200 block of Second Line East late Monday evening. 

Police have the home taped off and could be seen going in and out of the front and side entrances several times.

Traffic on Second Line was blocked between North and Harry streets as the investigation remained active as of midnight.

Photos shared on social media showed paramedics on the scene shortly before SooToday arrived. There is no word on the extent of injuries at this time.

SooToday will provide an update when more information becomes available.