What we know about Wess Roley, the 20-year-old suspect in the Idaho fire shooting
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Tragic Idaho Firefighter Shooting Leaves Two Dead, One Injured
Authorities have identified Wess Roley, 20, as the suspect behind a deadly ambush that killed two firefighters and injured a third during a response to a brush fire in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Roley was found dead at the scene, according to local law enforcement.
Suspect Had Aspirations to Join the Firefighting Profession
In an exclusive interview with CNN, Dale Roley, the suspect’s grandfather, revealed that Wess had once dreamed of becoming a forest firefighter. “He wanted to be a fireman – he was doing tree work and wanted to be a fireman in the forest,” Dale said, adding that Wess had actively been pursuing that goal.
From Tree Work to Tragedy: A Young Life in Limbo
Coming from a family of arborists, Wess Roley had been working in the tree service industry while exploring his future. Though he had supportive family and recently traveled with his mother to Hawaii, his future took a devastating turn.
Sniper-Style Attack Raises Questions About Suspect’s Firearms
While Roley legally owned a shotgun and long rifle, it remains unclear if those weapons were used in what officials have described as a sniper-style ambush. The motives behind the attack are still under investigation.
Family Says There Were No Warning Signs
“It wasn’t like he was a loner,” Dale Roley told CNN. “We had no reason to suspect that he would be involved in something like this.” He also noted that he hadn't spoken to Wess in about a month, due to the young man having lost his phone.
Public Records Reveal Troubled Childhood
According to court documents, Roley grew up amid family conflict. His parents divorced in 2015, following allegations of domestic violence against his father. At the time, his mother reported that her husband had made violent threats, including to sit outside her home with a sniper rifle or burn it down.
A judge issued a protective order, though it was later amended to remove restrictions related to the son after the father disputed the allegations. Despite the family’s troubled history, there was no indication that Wess would become involved in violence.
Past in Phoenix and School Activities
Records indicate that Wess Roley previously lived in the Phoenix, Arizona area, where he was active in high school athletics, particularly in track. He was listed as a member of the Class of 2024, according to an archived student website.
Parents Remain Silent After Tragedy
When approached by reporters, Roley’s father stated he hadn’t had recent contact with his son. His mother has not responded to media inquiries as of Monday morning.
Community in Shock as Investigation Continues
The Idaho community is mourning the loss of the two fallen firefighters while grappling with the disturbing circumstances surrounding the attack. As the investigation unfolds, many are left questioning how a young man once aspiring to protect lives turned into a suspect in one of the year’s most tragic events.
FAQ: Idaho Firefighter Shooting
- Who was the suspect in the Idaho firefighter shooting? — Wess Roley, 20, of Idaho.
- Where did the shooting happen? — Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
- How many people were killed? — Two firefighters were killed, and one was injured.
- Did the suspect have a criminal record? — Public records show no prior criminal activity.
- What was the motive? — Authorities have not yet determined a clear motive.
Key Takeaways
- Suspect Wess Roley, 20, once dreamed of becoming a firefighter.
- He allegedly ambushed firefighters in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, killing two.
- His grandfather expressed disbelief, stating the family never expected such behavior.
- Roley had a history of domestic instability, but no signs of radical behavior were known.
Conclusion: A Heartbreaking Case With Unanswered Questions
This tragic case underscores how deeply complex and unexpected acts of violence can be—even among individuals once seen as aspiring protectors. As authorities continue to piece together the events in Coeur d’Alene, the focus remains on supporting the victims' families and understanding what led to this fatal turn of events.