Edmonton Daily Digest — 2026-02-13

Brave response: Two small-town RCMP officers ran into gunfire to stop the Tumbler Ridge attack, arriving within 120 seconds of the call. The detachment has five members (two on duty, two off and one out of town), and officers from Fort St. John, Chetwynd and Dawson Creek joined; eight people were killed, including students Kylie May Smith (12), Ticaria Lampert (12), Zoey Benoit (12), Abel Mwansa (12), Ezekiel Schofield (12), education assistant Shannda Aviugana-Durand (39), Jennifer Strang (39) and 11-year-old Emmett Jacobs.

Tragic loss in Boyle-McCauley: Neighbours found a body after an early-morning house fire near 93 St and 105 Ave in Edmonton, later identified by DNA as 39-year-old Teresa Sara Katcheech; police have ruled the death a homicide but won’t disclose how she died. Family members remember her as "funny, kind, beautiful," have set up a memorial and launched a GoFundMe to help her three children (ages 17, 11 and 8).

Beware of scapegoating: Groups supporting trans and gender-diverse people warn misinformation is spreading after the Tumbler Ridge shootings and urge people not to blame an entire community. Amelia Newbert of Skipping Stone and BC Human Rights Commissioner Kasari Govender stressed there’s no evidence linking the shooter’s gender identity to the crime and urged focus on victims and grief instead of hateful narratives.

Guns and motive: RCMP say four firearms were found linked to the Tumbler Ridge killings — two at the school, two at the shooter Jesse VanRootselaar’s home — including a modified rifle and an unregistered shotgun whose origins are unknown. Police say the 18-year-old was "hunting" victims rather than targeting specific people; autopsies on the eight victims were expected by weekend of Feb. 13, two survivors remain hospitalized and forensic work was set to continue through the weekend.

Premier denies signing separatist petition: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she has not signed a citizen-initiated petition seeking a referendum on Alberta independence, while the Stay Free Alberta group has until May to collect about 178,000 signatures. Smith says she supports direct democracy but won’t demonize Albertans; several cabinet ministers also say they didn’t sign, and opponents like NDP leader Naheed Nenshi have pressed her for a clearer stance.

CFL moves and notes: Super Bowl winner Darrell Henderson Jr., 28, signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders after five NFL seasons and a Super Bowl LVI ring with the Rams; he rushed for 1,852 yards and 19 TDs in his NFL career. Also: Dionte Ruffin signed with the B.C. Lions (adds CFL experience and a 2023 Grey Cup), and the Edmonton Elks released veteran lineman Martez Ivey (report dated Feb. 13, 2026).

Big drug hauls at Coutts: CBSA officers seized a total of 1,010 kg of illegal drugs from three commercial trucks at the Coutts, Alta., crossing (Nov. 26–Dec. 8, 2025): 461 kg suspected heroin (+1 g opium) on Nov. 26, 300 kg cocaine (+400 g poppies) on Dec. 2, and 206 kg methamphetamine on Dec. 8. Drivers were arrested and turned over to RCMP; in 2025 CBSA in Alberta made 1,292 drug seizures (including 1,054 kg cocaine and 279 kg methamphetamine).

After Nova Scotia, offering comfort: Tammy Oliver-McCurdie — who lost family in the 2020 Portapique massacre — sent condolences and practical advice to Tumbler Ridge, urging people to "hold your loved ones tight," seek counselling and expect long-term fallout. Social workers remind communities that grief comes in waves and practical, ongoing support (meals, low-key check-ins) matters after funerals.

Road safety sweep: In early February a joint inspection at Airdrie’s vehicle station saw 20 of 23 commercial vehicles fail inspection (15 put out of service), Alberta Sheriffs say. The province runs 40+ inspection stations, did more than 15,000 commercial checks in 2025 and removed over 4,000 unsafe vehicles — officials emphasize education but can fine or seize vehicles when needed.