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Death toll in Nova Scotia shootings rises to 23

Last Updated Apr 21, 2020 at 8:38 pm MDT

FILE - RCMP cruisers in the parking lot of the Enfield Big Stop (Chris Halef/HalifaxToday.ca/News97.5)

HALIFAX – The RCMP says a weekend shooting rampage in Nova Scotia has now claimed the lives of 23 people.

Police continue to investigate murders committed at 16 crime scenes Saturday night and Sunday morning over a swath of northern and central Nova Scotia.

RCMP said they expected to find more bodies and confirmed that this afternoon including a 17-year-old girl, the youngest known victim.

Authorities are not sure if there are more victims, but police are confirming the shooter knew some of them.

Police say the shooter wore an authentic RCMP uniform and was driving a vehicle replicated to look like a police cruiser.

A report from the Toronto Star said the 51-year-old was previously convicted of assault in 2002 and ordered to stay away from firearms.

However, he was conditionally discharged, meaning his record would have disappeared after three years.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the attack is another reminder that stricter gun laws are needed.

“The tragedy in Nova Scotia simply re-enforces and underlines how important it is for us to continue to move forward on strengthening gun control in this country,” Trudeau said.

More than five structures and cars were lit on fire during the shootings including homes in Portapique and Wentworth where police say some of the victims were found.

The gunman died in a confrontation with police Sunday morning.

— with files from The Canadian Press