What is 'The First Survivor' about?

'The First Survivor' details Lisa Banfield's 19 years of abuse and terror by her common-law husband, Gabriel Wortman, who committed Canada's deadliest mass shooting.

How did Gabriel Wortman's paranoia escalate before the rampage?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wortman became increasingly paranoid about societal collapse, stockpiled weapons, withdrew large sums of money, and grew volatile.

Who was recognized as the first victim of the Nova Scotia massacre?

Lisa Banfield, who endured 19 years of abuse from Gabriel Wortman, was recognized by the Mass Casualty Commission as the first victim of the tragedy.

Home / Crime and Justice / Survivor's Haunting Account of Canada's Deadliest Shooting

Survivor's Haunting Account of Canada's Deadliest Shooting

27 Jan

•

Summary

Lisa Banfield details years of abuse and terror by her husband.
Wortman's paranoia escalated during the pandemic, leading to stockpiling.
Banfield escaped and hid before discovering the massacre's scale.

Survivor's Haunting Account of Canada's Deadliest Shooting

Lisa Banfield has broken her silence about the 13-hour rampage by her common-law husband, Gabriel Wortman, which resulted in 22 deaths in Nova Scotia, Canada's deadliest mass shooting. In her book, 'The First Survivor,' Banfield recounts years of coercive control, abuse, and fear.

Wortman's mental state deteriorated during the COVID-19 pandemic, fueling paranoia about societal collapse. He stockpiled weapons, withdrew significant funds, and grew increasingly volatile. A confrontation on April 17, 2020, the eve of their anniversary, preceded the tragic events.

On April 18, 2020, Wortman abducted Banfield at gunpoint, set their cottage ablaze, and forced her into a replica RCMP vehicle. She managed to escape and hid in a tree hollow overnight. Emerging at daylight, she sought help, unaware of the massacre.