Inquest into mass stabbing attack hears from psychiatrist & psychologist

The psychologist claimed that Sanderson took general responsibility for his behaviour, and felt remorse for hurting those he loved. McGale testified that, in his mind, Sanderson knew the behaviour that landed him in the penitentiary was wrong.

During one incident, he was believed to be high on drugs when entering his house, being very agitated about the Terror Squad chasing him. McGale said Sanderson became choked up when talking about how that incident affected his children, and that he wanted to break the cycle of violence.

McGale testified that he found Sanderson to be ‘reliable and honest’, and that he seemed self-aware that his childhood experiences led to his low self-esteem.

He performed a Level of Service Inventory actuarial assessment on Sanderson that deals with risk factors associated with recidivism. Sanderson scored in the medium-to-high risk category, with an approximately 57 per cent chance of reoffending in some way. That can include a minor breach or a criminal offense.

McGale also administered a Violence-Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG) exam of Sanderson, who fell into the high-risk category. Someone with that type of score has a 55 per cent chance of violent recidivism for five years, and 67 per cent over 10 years. However, McGale said the high-risk factors from Sanderson’s two assessments are partially due to the events that had already occurred. He noted the tests are static, whereas behaviours like substance abuse, attitude, and behaviour are dynamic and can be changed.

Sanderson’s conduct while incarcerated was classified as ‘unremarkable’ by McGale, who recommended that Sanderson complete the Multi-Target High-Intensity Training Program he was undertaking while in the penitentiary.

McGale testified that Sanderson presented with several strengths that would help lessen his potential risk, including the acknowledgment of substance abuse, the support of the Chief and others in his community, and that he was taking some programs while incarcerated. Sanderson also appeared open to participating in some counselling, possibly with an elder.

In his report, McGale noted that if Sanderson fell back into substance abuse, jealousy, and anger, the risk of domestic violence would be high.

He added there was no indication that Sanderson was going to harm anyone to that degree, and there was no talk of revenge or grievances. The psychologist said he doesn’t know what he could have or would have done differently in Sanderson’s case.

From McGale’s understanding, Sanderson was doing quite well until he got out into society. He said issues stemming from a relationship and substance abuse relapse became major issues for Sanderson upon release.

Just after McGale’s testimony wrapped up, he told the families of the victims how sorry he was for their loss, and that he wished he would have spotted something that would have foreseen the mass stabbings.

DR. JEFFREY WALDMAN

A psychiatrist who had one session with Sanderson also testified via videoconferencing Thursday afternoon.

Dr. Jeffrey Waldman does contract work at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary and other institutions and saw Sanderson at a session on Aug. 12, 2020.

According to Waldman, he had a history of trauma, PTSD, depression, and bipolar disease. He diagnosed Myles with antisocial personality disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and mentioned his significant history of childhood adversity and substance abuse.

He testified that he had requested to be the only provider to make changes to Sanderson’s treatment, including the stopping or starting of psychiatric medications. Waldman said he hoped that the warning would avoid any medication changes. He was also surprised that he was not asked to have a follow-up appointment with Sanderson.

The doctor prescribed Vyvanse for Sanderson’s ADHD and re-prescribed Prozac and Trazodone. There was no information in Dr. Waldman’s documents about Sanderson being prescribed any anti-psychotic medication.

Waldman testified that Sanderson was similar to about half of the patients he sees, with many relapsing into meth use. People with multiple childhood adversities are at a much higher risk of developing intravenous drug habits or other substance use, according to Waldman.

A highly stressful environment like a maximum or medium-security institution is not the place to do significant treatment for addictions, in the doctor’s opinion. It is much easier at a minimum-security location.

Waldman said healing lodges are well set up to provide adequate treatment, and exercise and exposure to nature can also help in healing.

He added there is now more consistency at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary regarding follow-up with patients.

Going forward, Waldman said patients must have proper support to transition between institutionalization and being safely reintroduced to society. He noted that once a patient is released, he or she is responsible for getting in touch with a healthcare provider to continue receiving medication.

Testimony resumes at 9:30 a.m. Friday morning at the Kerry Vickar Centre in Melfort.

by Cam Lee

Inquest into mass stabbing attack hears from psychiatrist & psychologist

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