COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Investigators have found drawings and a goodbye letter that suggest the man who shot and killed two North Idaho firefighters and injured another in a planned ambush attack on June 29 had meticulously planned the incident. The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office detailed these findings on Tuesday.
The investigation into the ambush on Canfield Mountain is ongoing, according to Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris. A nine-minute video released by the sheriff’s office laid out the timeline and evidence concerning the shooter, identified as 20-year-old Wess Roley.
Deputies discovered several drawings in Roley’s Coeur d’Alene apartment. Authorities interpret these as depicting the scene on Canfield Mountain. Other drawings appear to show Roley dying, with one bearing the inscription “Goodbye Wess.”
A letter addressed to Roley’s father was found in his car at the ambush site. The letter reads:
“Hello Father, I write this to you in a concerned effort that you may read this is upmost sincerity. Tomorrow, I shall go into battle. If I survive, it would be with upmost dishonor. I bid thee farewell, I hope that you shall live to the fullest extent as you have thus far. I beg that you do not fall into the traps of modern existence, with media and other false pleasantries that plague the mind of individuals today. Propaganda of sorts. You are an upstanding individual and I wish you the best. Sincerely, Wess Roley.”
The sheriff’s office also shared that Roley visited a fire station in May 2025. He inquired about becoming a firefighter but became agitated and left frustrated by the process.
When asked about Roley’s medical records, Sheriff Norris stated that investigators believe Roley had untreated ADHD and a history of marijuana use, which he was reportedly trying to quit.
David Tysdal was the first victim, shot while outside a work vehicle. Frank Harwood and John Morrison were shot simultaneously moments later while inside their vehicle with the window down.
Evidence suggests Roley was about 10 feet from the victims when he opened fire. Harwood and Morrison are believed to have died instantly.
Sheriff Norris confirmed that Roley died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Roley’s drawings, letter, and social media activity remain under active review as the investigation continues.
The U.S. Military confirmed Roley attempted to join the Army in Arizona in August 2023 and again in Hayden between June 2024 and April 2025. He failed to complete required tasks and appointments, leading to his disqualification.
Sheriff Norris stated Tuesday that no verified ties between Roley and any hate or extremist groups have been found.
