WARNING: This story contains disturbing details.
Saskatchewan RCMP have charged two people wanted by police and the number of injured has risen to 18 after 10 people were fatally stabbed in various locations across the province on Sunday, including the Cree Nation of James Smith.
Police in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are searching for Myles Sanderson, 30, and Damien Sanderson, 31, after the attacks prompted a dangerous person alert.
“To the people of Saskatchewan and beyond, please be assured that we are using all human, investigative and technological resources at our disposal to locate and arrest those responsible for this tragedy and to ensure your safety,” he said Saskatchewan RCMP Commanding Officer Rhonda Blackmore.
Myles faces three counts of first-degree murder; Damien is charged with first degree murder.
Both men also face charges of attempted murder and burglary. More charges are expected as the investigation continues.
Saskatoon police confirmed they had been searching for James Smith Cree Nation suspect Myles Sanderson since May, when he stopped meeting with his assigned worker and was classified as “unlawfully at large “.
He had been serving a nearly five-year federal sentence for assault, robbery, mischief and menacing. He obtained a legal release and then disappeared.
Police say they expect to release more information about the people who died later Monday.
But CBC has confirmed that Lana Head, 49, is one of the dead people from the James Smith Cree Nation. He leaves behind daughters Sable, 31, and Sage, 30.
Protective equipment investigators examine the terrain at a crime scene in Weldon, Sask., Sunday. Saskatchewan RCMP have confirmed Monday that 10 people are dead and at least 18 injured following stabbings in the James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon. (Heywood Yu/The Canadian Press)
Head’s former partner, Michael Brett Burns, said Head worked as a security guard at the Northern Lights Casino and was also a steward.
Head’s death was first reported by APTN.
“At this stage of our investigation, we believe some victims have been targeted by the suspect and others have been targeted at random,” Blackmore said during a news conference Sunday.
In an update posted on Twitter at 7:36 a.m. CST Monday, Regina Police Chief Evan Bray said the two suspects are still at large despite police’s “constant and relentless efforts throughout the night.” of Regina and RCMP officers to arrest them.
Blackmore said hundreds of Saskatchewan RCMP personnel, from operators to major crime units, are dedicated to the investigation.
Police say there is no indication the two men have traveled outside the province.
The Cree Nation and Weldon are less than 60 kilometers from Prince Albert and about 20 kilometers from each other.
Saskatchewan RCMP Commander Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore provides an update on the ongoing investigation to locate Myles Sanderson and Damien Sanderson. pic.twitter.com/AS6kdOCSmZ
—@RCMPSK
The relationship between the suspects is unclear
According to the RCMP, police resources from Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta are assisting with the multiple investigations.
Damien Sanderson describes himself as:
- Five foot seven
- 155 pounds.
- With black hair and brown eyes.
Myles Sanderson describes himself as:
- Six foot one
- 240 pounds.
- With brown hair and brown eyes.
RCMP say the men are armed and dangerous and should not be approached.
He also said that the relationship between the two is not clear.
They were also believed to be driving a black Nissan Rogue with Saskatchewan license plate 119 MPI, although they may have since changed vehicles.
According to police, the vehicle was last seen in Regina around 11:20 a.m. Sunday, although this has not been confirmed.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said it works with national and international security forces to “ensure border security, intelligence and enforcement.”
Lana Head, 49, was one of the victims of James Smith’s Cree Nation in a mass killing first reported on Sunday that left at least 10 dead. The number of injured also rose to 18 on Monday. (Submitted by Michael Brett Burns)
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), which represents 74 First Nations communities in Saskatchewan, including the 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 that all authorities take the lead from chiefs and councils and their members to create safer and healthier communities for our village,” FSIN chief Bobby Cameron said in a statement. late sunday
The FSIN also said it has been in contact with the federal government, which has pledged to support the communities.
In a tweet Sunday night, Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu said she was reaching out to chiefs and leaders to mobilize support “as soon as possible.”
Indigenous Services Canada told CBC in an email that it is working with the Cree Nation, FSIN and the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority (NITHA) to “identify and ensure that health services and supports will be available, including the mental well-being support, for James Smith’s Cree Nation and neighboring communities.”
NITHA is an Indigenous health services organization serving 33 First Nations communities, including the James Smith Cree Nation.
James Smith’s Cree Nation has asked for privacy.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were among those offering condolences Sunday to those affected by the stabbings.
The Saskatchewan government said in a statement Sunday afternoon that it has activated the provincial command, which helps coordinate and deploy resources, and has deployed victim services to the community.
The rest of the police resources have also been completed with 16 members of the provincial protection services.
In a statement posted on social media, Moe called the attacks “horrific beyond anything any of us could imagine.” He said Saskatchewan is looking to provide safety and care for those affected. and asked residents to provide any helpful information they may have to police.
Here is my latest post about yesterday’s terrible attacks. pic.twitter.com/LQycWHIgtS
—@PremierScottMoe
The Saskatchewan Health Authority went into a code orange after the influx of critical patients from Sunday’s stabbings.
On Monday, Anne Lindemann with the health authority said hospitals were no longer in a code orange.
“In addition to providing the immediate medical care needed for those affected, the SHA is working to deploy mental health resources to affected families, communities, physicians and staff,” Lindemann said in an email.
In an emailed statement Monday, the Canadian Red Cross said it was sending workers to the area to “provide comfort and support to family members and the community affected” by the attacks.
The Red Cross said it is working with the James Smith Cree Nation and the FSIN with support from the Prince Albert Grand Council and the federal government.
Support is available for anyone affected by the latest reports. The Hope for Wellness Hotline offers immediate help to people across Canada.
Mental health counseling and crisis support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca.