Police hold a news conference to talk about the shooting in Faro.
Yukon RCMP says a 42-year-old woman and 73-year-old man are dead and a third was critically injured and in hospital following a shooting in Faro, 350 km northeast of Whitehorse on Tuesday.
Ralph Bernard Shaw, 61, appeared in a Whitehorse court Wednesday and has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and aggravated assault.
His next court appearance is on Nov. 3.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families, friends, and community of the victims,” said RCMP Chief Supt. Scott Shepard. “This is a tragic situation for the town of Faro and the Yukon as a whole.”
Shepard would not confirm the identities of the victims.
Shepard said he “presumes” the victims were known to the shooter but would not confirm details.
Timeline of events
Shepard said at 1:02 p.m. on Tuesday police received the first call about shots fired.
Police say when they arrived to a residence in the town, a critically injured male was found inside.
Shaw had already left when police arrived Sheperd said.
Faro RCMP members then attended another residence on the same street and located the woman.
Police then put the community’s Del Van Gorder school into lockdown to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Shepard says as backup officers were arriving in Faro police received further calls of shots fired in a different part of town. The officers attended the area, confronted the subject, and he was safely taken into custody at 1:56 p.m.
Police said they proceeded to do wellness checks where they found the deceased male.
Police say the investigation is continuing.
Victim services and other supports are also being offered to community members.
Sacred fire burning
Faro is a small community of 400 people. Mayor Jack Bowers told APTN News community members are shaken from the incident.
Meanwhile, First Nations in the Yukon are sending their prayers and support to the town of Faro, the victims and their families.
Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation said in a Facebook post, “On behalf of all our citizens we offer you love, respect, prayers and heartfelt sympathy.”
Council of Yukon First Nations is hosting a Sacred Fire at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre Wednesday and Thursday in support of community members experiencing loss.
The Yukon government wants you to know that there is a crisis line set up if you need help dealing with this event. The toll-free number is 1-800-661-0408 extension 8500.
With files from the Canadian Press
