Grandfather of suspect in deadly Idaho firefighter ambush speaks out

[ad_1] Within the wake of the lethal ambush on responding firefighters in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, the suspect's grandfather spoke to ABC Information on Monday, sharing his grief for these killed and injured within the assault.

Legislation enforcement officers recognized Wess Roley because the suspected gunman within the ambush on Sunday that left two firefighters killed and one other injured.

He was discovered useless on Canfield Mountain after an hourslong manhunt with a shotgun close by, the Kootenai County Sheriff's Workplace stated. Officers consider he shot himself after the assault.

Talking by way of telephone in a recorded interview with ABC Information, as seen on "World Information Tonight with David Muir," a person describing himself as Wess Roley's paternal grandfather, Dale Roley, stated he was stunned to listen to that his grandson was named because the suspect within the lethal ambush.

"No one needs to suppose that their son or grandson goes to do that," Dale Roley stated.

Authorities shared a picture of a social media put up of suspect Wess Roley throughout a press convention in Hayden, Idaho, June 30, 2025.

ABC Information

Dale Roley stated these killed whereas responding to the comb hearth, which officers consider the suspect purposely began earlier than the ambush, "did not deserve it."

"I really feel extra unhappy for the those who acquired killed than I do for him as a result of they did not --They did not deserve it. It was simply, they did not go to battle. This wasn't a part of their job description."

He stated the final time he spoke to Wess Roley was about 4 weeks in the past -- when he stated his grandson misplaced his mobile phone and apparently by no means changed it.

Dale Roley stated his grandson went to work for a tree firm in Idaho a few 12 months in the past, however he did not know which firm.

"He had his personal residence. He was doing good," Dale Roley stated. "He had cash. He used to go strolling in that park on a regular basis. I do know that as a result of he had instructed me about it. "

Dale Roley stated that after Wess graduated from highschool in Arizona, he got here and lived with him in Oklahoma for almost 9 months earlier than Wess moved to Idaho, the place his father lives.

That is the place Wess started working for a tree firm, Dale Roley stated, including that within the final six months, his grandson appeared to grow to be "sort of a loner."

Two persons are useless after firefighters had been ambushed by a gunman, or a number of gunmen, whereas responding to a brush hearth in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, officers stated.

KXLY

In an announcement on Wednesday, Wess Roley's household's legal professional Justin P. Whittenton shared an announcement on behalf of the household, saying they "intend to totally cooperate with authorities in searching for solutions."

"At the moment, we, the household of Wess Roley wish to supply our most heartfelt condolences to the households of these whose lives had been taken and to the group of Coeur d'Alene at massive," the household stated within the assertion.

"There aren't any phrases that may suffice for this tragedy and the infinite losses suffered by these affected by this capturing. We don't perceive why this occurred or how this took place," the household added.