First Nations chief decries 'black stain' on community over shooting at Williams Lake Stampede
CBC
Days after a shooting at the Williams Lake Stampede on Sunday, the chief of the Williams Lake First Nation says the community is still angry and frustrated over what happened at the annual event.
Jordell Anthony Sellars, 33, has been charged with attempted murder and discharging a firearm with intent to endanger life and is expected to appear in Williams Lake Provincial Court on Monday, July 11.
Two people were injured and sent to hospital. At the time, police said the shooting was targeted.
"We are proud to be from Williams Lake ... and proud of the things that are happening in Williams Lake, but we continue to get this black stain on our community," Sellars told CBC's Daybreak Kamloops on Wednesday.
Sellars says he grew up with Jordell.
"He would be a distant cousin," Sellars said. "He's a good kid that went down a bad path. When they break the law, they're looking for help. We will help them, but if they pursue a life of crime then we will support the system in putting them behind bars."
Court documents show Jordell with a lengthy criminal record dating back to 2009 with numerous breach orders and weapons charges.
"How are we just letting these individuals walk free in and out of the courts and not give them the outlets they need to actually properly heal?" he said.
Sellars said everyone in the community has been affected by the incident, including his family. He said his children were in the grandstand while his father was just 20 feet away from the shooter and one of the two victims.
"Imagine what kind of trauma we're going to be dealing with from this come next Stampede or any community event in the region for that matter," he said.
Rosalie Montgomery said she was waiting in line for mini-donuts when she first heard the gunshots.
"I thought it was fireworks," she told CBC News. "I saw somebody run with a handgun so I turned to go the other way, then all of a sudden I heard another shot."
Montgomery said before she could run away, she felt a sting on her foot.
"I was thinking, 'Did I get hit?'"
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