BREAKING: Nova Scotia death toll rises to 23 as bodies found in house fires

UPDATE: The RCMP has clarified that the number of victims sits at 22, with the 23rd death being the shooter. In total, 22 people were killed from the shooter's spree killing.

The RCMP have confirmed on Tuesday that the Nova Scotia death toll has increased from 19 to 23, as human bodies were found in the smouldering remains of five structure fires set during the shooting spree.

Yesterday, RCMP Chief Chris Leather said that the death toll sat at 19, but that the number was expected to rise as the house fires were yet to be searched.

"We have had five structure fires, most of those being residences, and we believe there may be victims still within the remains of those homes which burnt to the ground. So, that part of the investigation is still very much on going, and again speaks to why we don't have a final total," Leather said yesterday.

Among the newly-found dead are a 17-year-old girl, while the others were adults. Others who were slain include Const. Heidi Stevenson, and a pregnant frontline healthcare worker.  

Leather said that some victims were known to the suspect, while others were random. Sixteen crime scenes have been set up across the province, as teams gather evidence.

Leather said on Tuesday that the suspect was shot and disarmed by police, leading to reports that the suspect was detained. The suspect later died from his injuries.

Leather also revealed that the RCMP uniform worn by the shooter was, in fact, authentic, while the vehicle he drove was a well-made duplicate.

The motive for the heinous crime is still being investigated.