Saskatchewan RCMP have charged two people wanted by police and the number of injured has risen to 18 following the fatal stabbings of 10 people Sunday in various locations across the province, including the James Smith Cree Nation. Police from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are searching for Myles Sanderson, 30, and Damien Sanderson, 31, after the attacks sparked a dangerous person alert. “To the people of Saskatchewan and beyond, please be assured that we are using every human, investigative and technological resource at our disposal to identify and apprehend those responsible for this tragedy and ensure your safety,” said Rhonda Blackmore, commander of the Saskatchewan RCMP. Miles faces three counts of first-degree murder. Damien is charged with one count of first degree murder. Both men also face charges of attempted murder and breaking and entering. More charges are expected as the investigation continues. Saskatoon police confirmed they had been searching for James Smith Cree Nation suspect Miles Sanderson since May, when he stopped meeting with the case worker and was described as “unlawfully at large.” He was serving a nearly five-year federal sentence for assault, robbery, mischief and uttering threats. He got a legal release and then disappeared. Police say they expect to release more information about the people who died later Monday. However, the CBC has confirmed that Lana Head, 49, is one of the dead from the James Smith Cree Nation. She leaves behind daughters Sable, 31, and Sage, 30. Lana Head, 49, was a victim from the James Smith 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) Head’s former partner, Michael Brett Burns, said Head worked as a security guard at the Northern Lights Casino and was also a commissary officer. Head’s death was first reported by APTN. “At this stage of our investigation, we believe some victims were targeted by the suspect and others were attacked at random,” Blackmore said during a press 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 “continuous, nonstop efforts throughout the night” by Regina police and RCMP officers to capture 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 traveled outside the province. The Cree Nation and Weldon are 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 search for Myles Sanderson and Damien Sanderson. pic.twitter.com/AS6kdOCSmZ —@RCMPSK
The relationship between the suspects is unclear
Police resources from across Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta are assisting with the multiple investigations, according to the RCMP. Damien Sanderson is described as:
Five-foot-seven. 155 pounds. With black hair and brown eyes.
Miles Sanderson is described 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 the relationship between the two is unclear. They are also believed to be driving a black Nissan Rogue with Saskatchewan license plate 119 MPI, although they may have since changed their vehicle. According to police, the vehicle was last reported in Regina around 11:20 a.m. Sunday, although this has not been confirmed. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said it is working with domestic and international law enforcement to “ensure border security, intelligence and enforcement.” RCMP are searching for Damien Sanderson, left, and Myles Sanderson. Damien is described as five feet seven inches, approximately 155 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Police say Miles is six feet, one inch tall, about 240 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. (RCMP) The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), which represents 74 First Nation 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 has life to innocent people.” “This is the disaster we face when harmful illegal drugs invade our communities and we demand that all authorities take direction from Chiefs and Councils and their members to create safer and healthier communities for our people,” said head of FSIN, Bobby Cameron. late on Sunday. The FSIN also said it has been in touch with the federal government, which has pledged to provide support to the communities. In a tweet posted Sunday night, Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu said she was reaching out to chiefs and leadership to mobilize support “as soon as possible.” Indigenous Services Canada told the CBC in an email that it is working with the Cree Nation, the FSIN and the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority (NITHA) to “identify and ensure that health services and supports, including mental wellness support , for the James Smith Cree Nation and neighboring communities’. NITHA is an Indigenous health services organization serving 33 First Nation communities, including the James Smith Cree Nation. The James Smith Cree Nation has requested privacy. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Premier Justin Trudeau were among those who offered condolences Sunday to those affected by the stabbings. The Saskatchewan government said in a statement late Sunday that it has activated the Provincial Command, which is helping to coordinate and deploy resources and has developed victim services in the community. It has also supplemented other law enforcement resources with 16 officers from provincial protection agencies. In a statement posted on social media, Moe called the attacks “horrific beyond anything any of us could have imagined.” He said Saskatchewan is seeking to provide safety and care to those affected. and called on residents to provide any useful information they have to the police. Here is my final message about yesterday’s horrific attacks. pic.twitter.com/LQycWHIgtS —@PremierScottMoe Saskatchewan’s health authority introduced a code orange after an 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. “Along with providing the immediate medical care needed for those affected, SHA is working to develop 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 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 via online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca.
