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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
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Canadian police continue search for Saskatchewan stabbing suspect

Police say the second suspect involved with Sunday’s deadly stabbings that killed 10 and injured 18 others is injured, but they don't know how badly.

(CN) — The manhunt continues for the second suspect of a deadly stabbing spree in Canada after police mistakenly surrounded a house in the James Smith Cree First Nation.

On Tuesday, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police issued a warning to the residents of the James Smith Cree First Nation in Saskatchewan after a potential sighting of Myles Sanderson, 32, who is wanted for stabbing 28 people on early Sunday morning, killing 10. His brother and accomplice, Damien Sanderson, 31, was found dead on Monday near where the attacks occurred, and police do not believe his wounds were self-inflicted.

Shortly after the warning Tuesday afternoon, the Associated Press reported people were screaming and running on the reservation and that police have barricaded roads and surrounded a house with guns drawn. However, police later announced the sighting was false alarm and the whereabouts of Myles Sanderson are still unknown.

Starting at 5:40 a.m. on Sunday, Canadian police began receiving reports of stabbings in the James Smith Cree First Nation reserve, a rural Indigenous community in the province of Saskatchewan. In total, the murder spree left 10 people dead and another 18 injured, with victims found across 13 locations including one in the nearby village of Weldon. Four victims remain in critical condition as of Tuesday.

While police believe some of the victims were targeted, the rest were likely attacked at random. The youngest victim is believed to be a 14-year-old boy while another, identified as Lydia Gloria Burns, 62, was a first responder killed while rendering aid.

Police believe Myles Sanderson is likely wounded as well, but they are unsure of the nature of his wounds or whether he’s responsible for his brother’s death. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police assistant commissioner Rhonda Blackmore said the at-large suspect has an extensive criminal record against people and property and has been wanted by police since May.  

Before discovering Damien Sanderson’s body, both brothers had been charged with first degree murder, attempted murder and breaking and entering. Police describe Myles as over 6 foot tall and 240 pounds and was previously believed to be driving a black Nissan Rogue SUV with license plate number 119 MPI.

On Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ordered the flag on the Peace Tower to be flown at half-staff in memorial for those killed on Sunday and “in solidarity with everyone affected by this violence,” Trudeau wrote on Twitter.  

Follow @alannamayhampdx
Categories / Criminal, International

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