‘We are saddened and devastated by the events that took place’: shooting suspect’s family

The family of the man who is suspected of killing two people and injuring two others in a shooting at a Nanaimo mill says they are devastated.

The suspect’s brother in law, George Rounis released the following statement to Global News this afternoon:

“We are saddened and devastated by the events that took place in our community at the Western Forest Products Mill.

Our deepest heartfelt sympathies and condolences go out to Mr. Mike Lunn and Mr. Fred McEachern’s families, friends and co-workers.

We also extend our wishes to Mr. Earl Kelly and Mr. Tony Sudar and their families as they recover from their injuries.

We humbly ask that everyone be respectful of all the families affected by these events, including our own, especially the children.”

Forty-seven-year-old Kevin Douglas Addison, a former employee of the mill, faces two counts of first-degree murder and two charges of attempted murder.

He made an appearance in Nanaimo courthouse Thursday, where he showed little emotion as the proceedings took place.

Addison will remain in custody until his next court appearance on May 13.

Meanwhile, a makeshift memorial is growing outside the gates of the Western Forest Products Mill as victims’ friends, families and complete strangers are continuing to leave flowers and condolence messages at the site of the deadly shooting.