Update: Saskatchewan Stabbing Suspect Damien Sanderson Found Dead
One of the suspects, Damien Sanderson, in the deadly Saskatchewan stabbing spree has been found dead and the manhunt continues for his brother Myles Sanderson. According to police reports the body of Damien Sanderson was found in a high grass area near the home of one of the victims, police are saying that the wounds do not look like they are self inflicted. Police believe that Myles Sanderson may have suffered injuries as well but so far that is pure speculation. The deadly stabbing spree which left ten people dead and nineteen people injured is the deadliest mass murder in Saskatchewan history.
Damien Sanderson More News
One of the two accused RCMP have been seeking in connection with a string of fatal stabbings in Saskatchewan on Sunday has been found dead, police confirmed Monday.
Damien Sanderson, 31, was found dead with wounds that did not appear to be self-inflicted, said Rhonda Blackmore, commanding officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP.
Myles Sanderson, 30, is still at large and is wanted. The RCMP also confirmed Monday at the media briefing that the two are brothers.
Ten people died in the attacks Sunday in various locations in the province, including James Smith Cree Nation. The injury toll has risen to 18.
Myles faces three counts of first-degree murder; Damien had been charged with one count of first-degree murder. Both men also were charged with attempted murder and break and enter.
Police from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba were searching for the Sandersons after the attacks prompted a dangerous-persons alert.
Police said Myles may have sustained injuries, though that has yet to be confirmed.
“We do want the public to know this because there is a possibility he may seek medical attention,” Blackmore said.
“Even if he is injured, it does not mean he is not still dangerous,” Blackmore added, noting Myles has a lengthy criminal record involving both persons and property crimes.
CBC has confirmed Lana Head, 49, is one of the deceased from James Smith Cree Nation. She leaves behind daughters Sable, 31, and Sage, 30.
Head’s former partner, Michael Brett Burns, said Head worked as a security guard at Northern Lights Casino and was also a commissionaire officer.
Head’s death was first reported by APTN.
Saskatoon police earlier confirmed they’ve been searching for Myles Sanderson since May, when he stopped meeting with his assigned caseworker and was classified as “unlawfully at large.”
He had been serving a nearly five-year federal sentence for assault, robbery, mischief and uttering threats. He got a statutory release, and then disappeared.
Police anticipated releasing more information about the people who died later Monday.
“At this stage in our investigation, we believe some victims have been targeted by the suspect and others have been attacked randomly,” Blackmore said during a news conference Sunday.
In an update posted to Twitter at 7:36 a.m. CST on Monday, Regina police Chief Evan Bray had said the two suspects were still at large despite “ongoing, relentless efforts through the night” from Regina police and RCMP officers to apprehend them.
Blackmore said hundreds of Saskatchewan RCMP staff, from operators to major crime units, have been working on the investigation.
Police said there was no indication the two men travelled out of the province.
The Cree Nation and Weldon are within 60 kilometres of Prince Albert, and about 20 kilometres from each other.
Police resources from across Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta have been assisting with the multiple investigations, according to RCMP.
Myles Sanderson is described as:
- Six-foot-one.
- 240 pounds.
- With brown hair and brown eyes.
RCMP said before Monday’s briefing that the two men were believed to be in a black Nissan Rogue with a Saskatchewan licence plate 119 MPI.
According to police, the vehicle was last reported seen in Regina around 11:20 a.m. on Sunday, though it hasn’t been confirmed.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said it was working with domestic and international law enforcement to “ensure border security, intelligence and enforcement.”
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), which represents 74 First Nation communities in Saskatchewan including James Smith Cree Nation, joined a chorus of people offering their condolences to the James Smith Cree Nation after the “unspeakable violence that claimed the lives of innocent people.”
“This is the destruction we face when harmful illegal drugs invade our communities, and we demand all authorities to take direction from the Chiefs and Councils and their membership to create safer and healthier communities for our people,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron in a statement late Sunday.
The FSIN also said it has been in contact with the federal government, which has committed to providing support to the communities
