The first sign from the outside that something was horribly wrong in Portapique, Nova Scotia, was rush of 911 calls around 10 p.m.

Saturday, April 18, 2020 was an otherwise quiet night across the province. Much of the world was deep into the COVID-19 pandemic, sheltering in place to stop the spread of the virus. But the tiny community of Portapique on the Bay of Fundy became a waking nightmare as 51-year-old Gabriel Wortman began shooting his neighbours, and lighting homes on fire. 

When officers arrived on scene they were met by a car speeding out of the area. Inside, was a victim who would become a key witness.

But within an hour of the start of the rampage, Wortman had killed 13 people. 

He had also escaped.

And police had no idea where he was.        

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