On April 18–19, 2020, Gabriel Wortman, a 51‑year‑old denturist from Nova Scotia, carried out the most deadly mass killing in Canadian history. Over thirteen hours, he murdered 22 people, wounded three others, and set multiple buildings aflame while impersonating a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer. The rampage exposed both Wortman’s hidden life and serious shortcomings in law enforcement’s response.
From Denturist to Disguise‑Obsessed Murderer
Wortman worked at his own denture clinic in Dartmouth and owned multiple properties, including a cottage in Portapique where the attacks began. Though respected publicly, he harbored unusual obsessions: collecting police memorabilia, owning four replica RCMP vehicles, and accumulating authentic police uniforms.
Court documents also revealed a complex, opportunistic business life. Wortman acquired a New Brunswick investment company from a lawyer acquaintance for as little as CAD 100, and he used corporate structures to acquire property.Global News His estate was later valued at about CAD 2.1 million, including six properties worth ~CAD 1.2 million and over CAD 700,000 in cash seized after the killings.
Family history contributed a darker side: according to his uncle—a former RCMP officer—Wortman was raised in a dysfunctional environment where violent behavior was normalized from childhood. The uncle stated he had long sensed a propensity for extreme violence in his nephew.
The Rampage: Timeline of Horror
April 18, 2020 — Portapique
The assault began around 22:00 ADT, at Wortman’s Portapique cottage. He attacked his common‑law partner, handcuffed her, set fire to their home and nearby warehouse, and forced her into the back of his replica RCMP cruiser. She managed to escape into nearby woods.
Shortly afterward, multiple 911 calls reported gunfire and fires. The first victims were Greg and Jamie Blair—neighbors who confronted Wortman, with Greg killed on his deck, and Jamie later shot through a door as she sheltered her two sons. These children survived and hid at the home of neighbor Lisa McCully, who was later killed when Wortman returned. The sequence of attacks continued in rapid succession through Portapique that night.Wikipedia
April 19, 2020 — Wentworth Valley & Highway 102
By 01:00, RCMP circulated internal bulletins identifying Wortman as armed and dangerous and driving a suspect replica police car. Publicly, though, the RCMP only labeled the incident on Twitter as a “firearms complaint.” No emergency public alerts were issued.Wikipedia+1Reddit+1
In the early morning hours, Wortman drove about 37 km north to Wentworth. Around 06:30, he killed two occupants and two dogs at a home there. His partner, now safe, told police about the car and uniform. A BOLO warning was issued at 08:00, and the RCMP publicly named him a suspect at 08:54.
By mid-morning, Wortman had changed vehicles multiple times—stealing the patrol car of Constable Heidi Stevenson after killing her in a head‑on crash, along with killing another motorist who stopped to help. He stole her sidearm and ammunition. He continued via Highway 102 toward Halifax, passing through Milford and Shubenacadie, where another known victim was shot dead.
At around 11:24, Wortman arrived at a gas station in Enfield. Within moments, officers recognized him, and after he raised a gun to his head, they fired multiple rounds. He reportedly sustained dozens of wounds and died either by self-inflicted or combined police fire. The rampage ended over thirteen hours after it began.
Weapons, Planning & Motive
Wortman used a variety of firearms during the massacre:
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.223 Colt LE6940 semi‑automatic rifle
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Ruger Mini‑14 rifle
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Glock 23 Gen 3 (.40 cal) pistol
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Ruger P89 (9 mm) pistol
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Smith & Wesson 5946 (9 mm) pistol obtained from Const. StevensonCityNews Halifax+7Wikipedia+7Reddit+7
All but the Glock were illegally smuggled into Canada from the United States. Wortman lacked proper firearms licensing and used high-capacity magazines.
No clear motive has ever been established. Investigators suggested the spree began with personal targets—neighbors and acquaintances—and then devolved into random violence. A criminal investigation included a “psychological autopsy” involving interviews with dozens of associates, but the public inquiry has found no definitive rationale.
RCMP Response & Public Inquiry
The RCMP response has drawn intense scrutiny:
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No Alert Ready system was used to warn the public, relying instead on a tweet released hours into the event.
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RCMP delayed naming Wortman in public until nearly 10 hours after the first shootings.
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Internal missteps included dismissing early concerns about Wortman’s replica cruiser and past behavior. A local police force offered assistance which was not promptly accepted.Reddit
In response, a public inquiry was launched on July 28, 2020, to examine law enforcement’s conduct and public safety failures.
Fallout: Policy Changes & Legacy
Two weeks after the shootings, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a ban on approximately 1,500 military-style assault weapons, including the Ruger Mini‑14 used by Wortman. A nationwide buy‑back program followed.
The incident continues to resonate in Canada:
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Formal hearings have addressed failings in RCMP procedure and coordination.
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Grassroots activism and victim advocacy highlighted long delays in accountability and transparency.WikipediaWikipedia
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Media coverage—including a book by Paul Palango titled 22 Murders—criticized the RCMP’s handling as overly reactive and lacking urgency.
The Man Behind the Rampage: Personality & Behavioral Clues
Wortman was described by acquaintances as quiet but opportunistic, financially motivated, yet increasingly isolated. Despite owning valuable assets, he reportedly withdrew massive amounts of cash shortly before the shooting—some buried on the property.
His uncle reported that Wortman had previously threatened his parents and assaulted family members. He had few social ties outside his partner, and was estranged from his family.CP24 Some observers speculated—based on financial anomalies—that Wortman may have had ties with criminal smugglers or informants, though RCMP denied any special relationship.Reddit
Victims Remembered
The rampage claimed 22 lives, including Constable Heidi Stevenson, who died confronting Wortman. One unborn child is also typically counted, though not in official victim statistics. Three others were injured—two RCMP officers and a pedestrian.
Most victims were killed in Portapique (13), with additional deaths in Wentworth (4), Debert (2), and Shubenacadie (3). Eight were killed in fires, and others by gunshot. The attacks also killed two dogs and injured two others.
Lessons Learned
The tragedy exposed critical gaps:
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Communication failures between RCMP and the public.
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The danger of police impersonation, especially when unchecked.
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The challenge of identifying violent threats from individuals embedded within communities.
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The policy response focused heavily on banning legal weapons—even though Wortman’s guns were obtained illegally.CP24+2Reddit+2dayton-daily-news+2
Conclusion
Gabriel Wortman’s shocking crime forced Canadians to confront vulnerabilities in law enforcement, firearms regulation, and public safety. His quiet, financially successful exterior concealed a deeply troubled and planning individual who, over more than a decade, accumulated weapons, funds, and symbols of police authority before unleashing horror.
The public inquiry, continued journalistic investigation, and evolving legal reforms remain essential. They aim not only to honor the victims, but prevent future tragedies by ensuring that authorities and community systems can identify and respond to the warning signs before they culminate in violence.