Updated at 6:39 p.m. Monday:
The Saskatchewan RCMP has reported that one of two suspects linked to a series of stabbings that left ten dead and nearly 20 injured on the James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon Sask. has been found dead.
Late Monday afternoon, RCMP Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore confirmed a deceased man was found at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the James Smith Cree Nation. Approximately two hours later, RCMP and forensic investigators confirmed the body was that of 31-year-old Damien Sanderson.
"His body was located outdoors in a heavily grassed area in proximity to a house that was being examined," Blackmore said. "We can confirm he has visible injuries. These injuries are not believed to be self inflicted at this point."
Meanwhile, the other suspect, 30-year-old Myles Sanderson, remains at large.
"Myles Sanderson, Damien's brother, may have sustained injuries. This has not been confirmed, but we do want the public to know this because there is a possibility he may seek medical attention," Blackmore said.
Blackmore added that despite possibly being wounded, Myles should still be considered dangerous as he has a known criminal history of person and property crimes. He is wanted for three counts of first degree murder, one count of attempted murder and one count of break and enter.
The pair were both subject of a tri-province public safety alert in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba after numerous people were found dead and injured on a first nation reserve in Sask., and a neighbouring village.
The number of known fatalities is now up to 11, including Damien, with 19 injured across 13 crime scenes.
Regina's police chief Evan Bray said a black Nissan Rogue with the Saskatchewan plate number 119 MPI, has not yet been found however, he said police received reliable information on Sunday that indicated the suspect vehicle was spotted with two people inside it on Sunday. Bray said it was believed both brothers were in the vehicle at the time of sighting up until Damien's body was located Monday afternoon.
"We are very confident that Myles was in the city yesterday," Bray said. "Up until two hours ago we assumed that it was both of them, but having said that, we are confident that there were two people in that vehicle and so at this point, we don't know who else was in the vehicle."
Anyone with information about Myles' whereabouts is asked to call 911.
https://twitter.com/RCMPSK/status/1566921191541161985
An earlier published version of this story can be read below.
The RCMP in Saskatchewan has issued charges for two men who remain on the lam in connection to a series stabbings in at least 13 different locations near the James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon, Saskatchewan.
In an update issued Monday afternoon, the RCMP said it continues to use every resource available in efforts to locate and arrest Myles and Damien Sanderson. The RCMP has now charged both men.
Myles Sanderson, 30, is charged with three counts of first degree murder, one count of attempted murder and one count of break and enter. Damien Sanderson, 31, faces one count of first degree murder, one count of attempted murder and one count of breaking and entering.
"To the people of Saskatchewan and beyond – please be assured that we are using every human, investigational and technological resource we have available to locate and arrest the persons responsible for this tragedy and to ensure your safety," said RCMP Assistant Commissioner Rhona Blackmore in a release. "Hundreds of Saskatchewan RCMP staff are dedicated to this investigation – this includes operators taking 911 calls and tips, to frontline officers patrolling our streets to the on-scene specialized forensic and Major Crime Unit teams who continue to follow up on all information and evidence gathered."
At around 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time Sunday, the RCMP in Regina issued an alert within Sask., for the pair after ten people were found dead and at least 15 others were hurt. The alert was later extended to include Alberta and Manitoba.
The RCMP have since confirmed injuries in three more bringing the total number of people wounded to 18. More details about the victims is expected to be released shortly.
The James Smith Cree Nation is 58 km east of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, and Weldon is 30 km southwest of James Smith. The First Nation has a population of 1,892.
Damien is described as 5'7", 155 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes. Myles is approximately 6'1", 240 lbs with brown hair and brown eyes.
Police said the two are considered armed and dangerous.
Update #5 for Dangerous Person Alert issued by Melfort RCMP: #RCMPSK received a report the suspects may traveling in the Arcola Ave area around 11:45 a.m. in Regina, SK in a black, Nissan Rogue with SK license 119 MPI. pic.twitter.com/dYlVTmP1CL
— RCMP Saskatchewan (@RCMPSK) September 4, 2022
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe offered his "deepest condolences on behalf of the government and the people of Saskatchewan to all of the family and friends of the victims of today's horrific attacks."
There are no words to adequately describe the pain and loss caused by this senseless violence.
All of Saskatchewan grieves with the victims and their families.— Scott Moe (@PremierScottMoe) September 4, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also issued a statement on social media following the attacks.
"I am shocked and devastated by the horrific attacks today in James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon, Saskatchewan, that claimed the lives of 10 people and injured many more," said Trudeau.
"As Canadians, we mourn with everyone affected by this tragic violence, and with the people of Saskatchewan. We also wish a full and quick recovery to those injured."
The attacks in Saskatchewan today are horrific and heartbreaking. I’m thinking of those who have lost a loved one and of those who were injured.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 4, 2022
It is believed the suspects are driving a black Nissan Rogue with the Saskatchewan plate number 119 MPI.
