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Sign outside James Smith Cree Nation. (CKOM News)
Crime History

Parole documents show stabbing spree suspect has long history of violence, previous stabbing incidents

Sep 6, 2022 | 3:08 PM

One of the suspects accused of committing the fatal stabbing spree in northeast Saskatchewan is no stranger to violent crimes.

According to Parole Board of Canada documents obtained by paNOW, Myles Sanderson has been convicted of 59 different criminal offences since turning 18. The tally includes seven counts of assault and four counts of assault with a weapon.

In April 2018, he stabbed two people with a fork before going outside and beating a man unconscious.

A few months earlier in late 2017, Sanderson threatened an accomplice to rob a fast-food restaurant by hitting him in the head with a firearm and stomping on his head.

When he was officially arrested in June 2018, he kicked an officer in the face and the top of the head repeatedly when he was placed in the back of a police vehicle.

He was convicted of assault, assault with a weapon, robbery, mischief, assaulting a peace officer, and uttering threats to cause harm. He was sentenced to four years, four months, and 19 days in federal prison. According to Corrections Canada, Sanderson began serving his sentence on Sept. 24, 2018.

He was officially granted statutory release in August 2021. This allows federal offenders, many of whom for good behaviour, the chance to be released under supervision once they served two-thirds of their sentence.

His release was suspended when he violated one of his conditions. However, in a decision dated Feb. 1, 2022, the Parole Board of Canada lifted the suspension, despite Sanderson’s parole officer recommending a revoke of the parole. This was due in part to Sanderson’s attitude and history of deceit while on release, the decision said.

An assistant, whose name was removed for privacy purposes, was present at Sanderson’s hearing to remark they’d seen a real change in the offender and had plans to offer him accommodation while on parole.

“The board is satisfied that your risk is manageable in the community if you… maintain sobriety and employment, and continue with developing supports, including getting therapy,” the decision said.

Sanderson is accused of taking part in the spree which killed 10 people and injured another 18 in the James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon. His brother Damien Sanderson was also a suspect but has since been found deceased.

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow

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