(Photo by Kindel Media)
Saskatchewan RCMP say arrest warrants have been issued for two suspects who are still at large after a stabbing rampage that left 10 people dead and at least 15 injured.
Damien Sanderson, 31, is facing three counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder, and one count of break and enter, the RCMP said in a news release on Sept. 5.
The second suspect, Myles Sanderson, 30, faces one count each of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and break and enter.
Further charges are anticipated as the investigation progresses, police said, adding that updates will be provided when they are available.
“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,” Rhonda Blackmore, assistant commissioner in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP, said in the 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.”
The stabbings which took place at 13 locations on the James Smith Cree Nation and nearby Weldon, northeast of Saskatoon, were first reported to the RCMP before 6 a.m. on Sept. 4.
At a press conference on Sept. 4, Blackmore said the 15 who were injured were taken to hospital but there might be more who sought medical help on their own.
The number of injured had risen to 18 as of Sept. 5. The RCMP say they expect to release more details about the victims later in the day.
The force added it will continue to work closely with the Regina Police Service (RPS) as investigation determined that the two suspects may be in the City of Regina.
“Resources from Manitoba RCMP, Alberta RCMP, partner police agencies and the Province of Saskatchewan are also assisting in this investigation,” it said.
Earlier in the morning, RPS Chief Evan Bray said in an update that the suspects are “still at large” despite “ongoing, relentless efforts through the night.”
“This is an ongoing active investigation and again, we’ll not stop until these two have been arrested. So any information that you or someone you know, might be able to provide to us could be very meaningful in bringing about a resolution to this part of the investigation,” Bray said in a video statement on Twitter.
A dangerous persons alert remains in effect from Alberta to Manitoba for the two suspects.
Damien Sanderson is described as five-feet-seven inches tall and 155 pounds, and Myles Sanderson as six-foot-one and 200 pounds. Both have black hair and brown eyes. Police believe they were in a black Nissan Rogue SUV with licence plate 119 MPI, but noted that they may have switched vehicles by now.
Investigators have said some of the victims were targeted while others were attacked randomly.
There’s been no official word on the identities of the victims, but Weldon residents have identified one of the deceased as 77-year-old Wes Petterson.
Bray acknowledged that the stabbing incidents are affecting residents.
“There’s a lot of grief. There’s a lot of anxiety in our province and in our communities this morning and all day yesterday,” he said.
He urged anyone who knows the whereabouts of the two men to come forward and assist the police in their investigation.
“We are confident that someone out there knows the whereabouts of these two and has information that will be valuable to the police,” he said.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe expressed his condolences on Sept. 4 to the family and friends of the victims, with his office later saying flags at provincial government buildings will be lowered to half-mast for one day for each person killed.
Prime Minister Justine Trudeau also commented on the tragedy, calling the attacks “horrific and heartbreaking.”
“We are closely monitoring the situation, and urge everyone to follow updates from local authorities,” he said on Twitter.
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
