Sources tell the CBC there is a heavy police presence at the reserve as police continue to search for Sanderson, who is charged with murder along with his deceased brother, Damien Sanderson, 31, in connection with the mass stabbing that left 10 dead and 18 injured. in the territory of the James Smith Cree Nation and the nearby village of Weldon, Sask. These counts do not include suspects. Damien Sanderson was found dead Monday of injuries that did not appear to be self-inflicted, according to RCMP.
WATCHES | Ex-Mountie says police investigating murders must cast a wider net to find prime suspect
Damien Sanderson’s death changes Saskatchewan police investigation, ex-Mountie says
Police investigating murders in rural Saskatchewan need to cast a wider net to find Miles Sanderson because he may be asking for help, says former RCMP officer Sherry Benson-Podolchuk. Police from Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba were searching for the Sandersons after the attacks sparked a dangerous person vigilante Sunday morning. Miles Sanderson faces three counts of first-degree murder, as well as attempted murder and burglary. Police say he may have been injured, although that has not been confirmed. He was last believed to be driving a black Nissan Rogue with the license plate 119 MPI on Sunday and police say the vehicle was reported in Regina at 11:20 a.m. CST of the same day. Before he became the subject of a multi-county investigation, Crime Stoppers had issued an alert for Myles who was believed to be on the loose. Parole Board of Canada documents show that over two decades he racked up 59 convictions for crimes including assault, assault with a weapon, assaulting a police officer, menacing and robbery. He was given a lifetime weapons ban due to his violent behavior. Saskatchewan RCMP are continuing to search for Myles Sanderson, who is six foot 240 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. (Saskatchewan RCMP/The Canadian Press) CBC News confirmed Tuesday that Earl Burns Sr., a veteran, is among the dead. The Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association sent its condolences to Burns’ family following his death. On Monday, Saskatchewan’s health authority said hospitals were no longer under Code Orange, which was announced Sunday after the influx of critical patients from the stabbing. He also said there are 13 patients still in hospital, four in critical condition and nine in stable condition. Four have been discharged.
James Smith Cree Nation is asking for donations
The James Smith Cree Nation and sister First Nation communities are appealing for food and monetary donations in the wake of the mass stabbing. In an open letter shared on social media, the Cree Nation, along with band chiefs and council Peter Chapman and Chakastaypasin Band, asked for food, money and disposable plates and cutlery. Investigators in protective gear examine the ground at a crime scene in Weldon, Sask., on Sunday. (Heywood Yu/The Canadian Press) The group of First Nation communities declared a state of emergency at noon Sunday. Donations for the Cree Nation can be dropped off at the Bernard Constant Community School gymnasium. He asked that any monetary donations be given as gift cards, checks or cash and that the donations be recorded.
Universities, schools are changing operations
The University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon said in a statement Monday that it will postpone some large gatherings on campus, including some Welcome Week events planned for Tuesday, “out of respect for these communities and the fact that the situation remains an emergency.” He said he will offer support to students, staff and faculty with connections to the James Smith Cree Nation, as well as opening the doors to the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Center as a “safe gathering place” for the campus community. Last weekend’s tragic acts of violence in the James Smith Cree Nation and the village of Weldon will have a profound impact on our province and country.https://t.co/nnpzVSFhB1 —@usask The University of Regina said in an email Tuesday that it has increased security on campus and has ensured dormitory doors are only accessible through a keyed entrance. The two dozen schools in Saskatchewan’s Northwest School District are on “hold and secure until further notice,” director of education Duane Haulk said in an email: “With a suspect still at large, we will be very vigilant about keeping students safe . teachers and school staff”. In Saskatoon, the Catholic School Board said in an email that support will be available for those affected and schools will remain open. The Saskatoon Public School Board said it will also operate as normal, with support for those affected. Both universities and school boards expressed their condolences and prayers in statements and emails to those affected.
