Listen to this article
Estimated 5 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
WARNING: This story contains references to violence against children and suicide.
A man shot and killed his two children before taking his own life in Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg early Wednesday, Quebec provincial police have confirmed.
“At this stage of the investigation, we can confirm that a 41-year-old father killed his two children, aged 10 and 12, before committing suicide. A firearm was used. The investigation is continuing,” said Sûreté du Québec (SQ) Sgt. Nancy Fournier in an interview late Wednesday morning.
The community’s chief identified the man as Randy Tolley, and police confirmed relatives have been notified.
WATCH | Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg Chief says the community is grieving:
‘In grief here’: Chief Whiteduck speaks about how the community is doing after early morning shooting in Kitigan Zibi
A man and two children are dead after what police are calling a murder-suicide in Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg early Wednesday. Chief Jean-Guy Whiteduck says the community is “saddened that young children lost their lives.”
Provincial and community police said they were called to a home on Kichi Mikan in the western Quebec Algonquin First Nation around 2:05 a.m.
Kitigan Zibi’s police director Paul McDougall said officers found the man and his two children with serious injuries.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene and the children were rushed to hospital where they were later pronounced dead, according SQ. The provincial police force is assisting in the investigation.
About 1,200 people were living in Kitigan Zibi as of the 2021 census. The community is just south of Maniwaki, Que., about 100 kilometres north of Ottawa-Gatineau.
First Nations offer support
Jean-Guy Whiteduck, chief of Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg, told CBC the community is grieving.
“We’re saddened that young children lost their lives. They didn’t ask for this,” Whiteduck said.
Messages of condolence and support for the community have been pouring in.
“I want to express how deeply this loss touches me,” wrote Verna Polson, grand chief of the Algonquin Anishinābeg Nation Tribal Council, in a statement Wednesday.
Polson extended her condolences to Whiteduck, council members, and family and friends of the victims.
“Their grief is immense and they will need the support of their community,” she said.
The nearby Maniwaki Native Friendship Centre urged the community to “come together in kindness, compassion and support for one another. In times like these, connection is more important than ever.”
The friendship centre’s Gatineau branch also offered its support to Indigenous community members.
WATCH | Sûreté du Québec provides update on shooting in Kitigan Zibi :
Sûreté du Québec provides update on shooting in Kitigan Zibi
A man and two children are dead after what police are calling a murder-suicide in Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg early Wednesday. Sgt. Nancy Fournier, information officer for the Sûreté du Québec, provides an update.
Condolences from across the country
Messages of condolence and offers of support have been pouring in from across the country
Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a post on X that government officials are in contact with local authorities to help support the community.
“Our prayers are with the victims and all those who loved them,” Carney said.
Our government officials are in contact with local authorities to ensure the people of the community receive every support we can provide following this heartbreaking loss.
Speaking at a conference for missing and murdered Indigenous woman, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty called it an “unthinkable loss of two innocent children.”
“There are no words strong enough to describe just how heartbreaking this news is. My thoughts are with the family and the community,” Alty said as she held back tears.
Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon, the MP for Gatineau, spoke to reporters about the incident on Parliament Hill Wednesday morning.
“My thoughts go out to the chief and all the members of the community,” MacKinnon said. “To lose two children is just an unbelievable thing.”
Quebec Premier François Legault and First Nations relations minister Ian Lafrenière also offered their support to the community on social media, with Legault saying in French he’s deeply shaken by what happened.
WATCH | Minister Rebecca Alty becomes emotional speaking about ‘unthinkable loss’ :
Crown-Indigenous Relations minister gets emotional speaking about shooting in Kitigan Zibi
A man and two children are dead after what police are calling a suspected murder-suicide in Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg early Wednesday. Rebecca Alty commented on the shooting while attending an event for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
If you or someone you know is struggling, here’s where to look for help:
If you’re worried someone you know may be at risk of suicide, you should talk to them about it, says the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention. Here are some warning signs:
Suicidal thoughts.Substance use.Purposelessness.Anxiety.Feeling trapped.Hopelessness and helplessness.Withdrawal.Anger.Recklessness.Mood changes.