Saskatchewan RCMP say one of two people wanted in a stabbing spree that left 10 dead and at least 18 injured has been found dead.
Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore said a deceased man was found on the James Smith Cree Nation around 11:30 a.m. Monday.
“At 1:17 p.m. today, it was confirmed by the Saskatchewan RCMP forensic identification section that the deceased is Damien Sanderson,” Blackmore, the commanding officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP, told reporters on Monday afternoon.
“We can confirm he has visible injuries. These injuries are not believed to be self-inflicted at this point.”
Blackmore said Damien’s body was located heavily grassed area near a house being investigated.
Police are still searching for Damien’s brother, Myles Sanderson, who is also wanted in connection with the series of stabbings.
Blackmore said Myles may also have been injured. The commanding officer said they wanted the public to know this because he may seek medical attention.
“Even if he is injured it does not mean he is not still dangerous,” Blackmore said, adding that Myles has a “lengthy criminal record” involving persons and property crimes.
Earlier in the day Monday, RCMP announced that charges had been laid against the brothers.
Myles, 30, is facing three counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder, and one count of break and enter.
Damien, 31, was charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder, and one count of break and enter.
“Further charges are anticipated as the investigation progresses,” RCMP said in a news release on Monday.
Myles is described as six-foot-one inches tall, weighing 240 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Blackmore said the attacks, which occurred in 13 locations in the communities of James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon, appear to be both targeted and random in nature.
She said police are using “every human, investigational and technological resource” available to arrest Myles.
“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,” Blackmore said in a statement.
Resources from the Regina Police Service, Manitoba RCMP, Alberta RCMP, partner police agencies and the Province of Saskatchewan are also assisting in the investigation.
“We are asking residents across Saskatchewan and our neighbouring provinces to be vigilant,” said Blackmore. “At this stage in our investigation, we believe some of the victims have been targeted by the suspects and others have been attacked randomly.”
During a media availability on Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the attacks “shocking and heartbreaking.”
“My thoughts and the thoughts of all Canadians are with those who’ve lost loved ones and with those who are injured. This kind of violence, or any kind of violence, has no place in our country,” said Trudeau.
The prime minister said he has spoken with Saskatchewan’s premier and leadership at the James Smith Cree Nation since the attacks.
“The federal government will be there with the resources necessary right now in this time in the crisis and will also continue to work as partners in the weeks, months and years to come through grieving and healing.”
Flags have been lowered to half-mast at the Peace Tower in Ottawa, and at all federal buildings in Saskatchewan.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
With files from Mark Leger.
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