One of two suspects in stabbing rampage found dead

“We can confirm he has visible injuries. These injuries are not believed to be self-inflicted at this point. The exact cause of death will be determined in conjunction with the Saskatchewan coroner’s office with the date and time for that examination to be determined,” said Blackmore.

Damien Sanderson and his brother Myles Sanderson were named as the suspects involved in what’s being described as a horrific attack that took place over 13 crime scenes within the James Smith Cree Nation and the community of Weldon in northeast Saskatchewan.

Blackmore would not say if Myles is a suspect in his brother’s death.

Although it hasn’t been confirmed, police said Myles may have sustained injuries during the attacks. They want the public to know because there is a possibility he may seek medical attention.

“Even if he is injured, it does not mean he is not still dangerous. Myles has a lengthy criminal record involving both persons and property crimes. He is facing three counts of first-degree murder and is wanted. We consider him armed and dangerous. Do not approach him,” Blackmore said.

Police are still working on the assumption that Myles may be in Regina. The vehicle stolen during the attack was seen in the city with two people in it on Sunday, although Regina Police Chief Evan Bray admitted that information is stale.

“Its unknown at this time who the other person in the vehicle was…if it was indeed Myles that was in there,” said Bray.

“That information is dated and we haven’t had any updates from it. So, is it possible they are no longer in this community? It is possible but we don’t have any information to disprove or point us either way on that.”

Blackmore confirmed no infants or children were harmed in the attack.The youngest victim was born in 1999. Blackmore said the ages of the victims spanned a wide range.

Late Monday afternoon the Saskatchewan Health Authority released a statement confirming they admitted 17 individuals with injuries related to the incident to hospitals within the province. Of those, 13 patients remain in hospital, four patients are in critical condition, nine are in stable condition and four individuals have been discharged home to family. The SHA noted their numbers may differ slightly from other agencies since they only track and report on admissions to hospital.

Police added Damien’s death to the total, bringing the number of deceased in the attack to 11.

There is no information on the motive for the attack, although Blackmore said the RCMP will work to determine if the rampage was drug-related.

She confirmed Myles was well-known to police and a warrant for his arrest has been out since May, but it wasn’t issued by the Mounties.

According to information provided by Correctional Service Canada, Myles Sanderson is a federal offender and is serving a federal sentence of four years, four months and 19 days for Assault, Assault with Weapon, Robbery, Mischief, Assault Peace Officer, Utter threats to cause harm.

His sentence began on Sept. 24, 2018. He was on statutory release since August 27, 2021 and was being supervised in the community.

By law, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) must release most offenders with supervision after they have served 2/3’s of their sentence, if they have not already been granted parole. Offenders serving a life sentence are not eligible for statutory release.

The CSC also confirmed Sanderson has been unlawfully at large since May 24, 2022.

A warrant for Sanderson’s arrest was issued that day and shared with police, who are responsible for executing the warrant.

–With files from CKOM

panews@pattisonmediacom

On Twitter: @MonteleoneTeena

by Teena Monteleone

One of two suspects in stabbing rampage found dead

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