Police in the city of Sault Ste. Marie, in northern Ontario, have reported five people were shot and killed in two houses. This included three children and the alleged gunman. The police say there is no risk to the public as it was a case of “intimate partner violence.”The Sault Ste. Marie Police found a 41-year-old's body on Monday night around 10:20 p.m. after a neighbour called 911 to report a break-and-enter.The police said the alleged gunman fled the first house and approximately 10 minutes after that, they got another 911 call. This call was about someone with a weapon in a house about three kilometres away from the first house.In the second house, police found three kids, aged six, seven and 12 years old, who had been killed. They also found a 45-year-old person who was hurt from a gunshot and taken to the hospital.Officers also found the alleged 44-year-old gunman, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.The police say these deaths happened because of “intimate partner violence” and the loved ones face unimaginable grief.The names of the alleged gunman and victims are not being released.These investigations are connected and are not random acts of violence, according to the police.“Our community is once again faced with the tragic and unnecessary loss of life,” says Sault Ste. Marie Police 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.”The investigation is ongoing and officers remain on the scene at both houses.Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Matthew Shoemaker issued a statement on Tuesday morning.“There are no words to adequately address such a tremendous loss. This is an unspeakable tragedy and on behalf of the City of Sault Ste. Marie, I extend our community’s collective condolences and support to the family and loved ones of the victims. Together, as a community, we stand with them and with our brave first responders. We grieve with them as we try to reckon with this inconceivable act of violence. Sault Ste. Marie is a strong and caring community, and I encourage people to look out for one another and offer support during this incredibly challenging time,” said Shoemaker.“I have been in, and remain in, close contact with Police Chief Stevenson since early this morning. I recognize the tremendously challenging nature of the important work of Sault Police Services and I’ve expressed my support to the Chief and his team.”All three children attended the Algoma District School Board (ADSB), which also issued a statement.“The entire Algoma District School Board community is heartbroken and mourns the loss of three students. Counsellors and support staff have been put in place at schools impacted by this tragedy,” said ADSB.“We appreciate families and community members minimizing calls to schools during this time. Families at impacted sites will be receiving information later today on how to access additional supports if needed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who have been affected by this tragic incident.”
