Canada stabbings: Second suspect in attack that killed 10 is still at large

CNN
 — 

A manhunt is underway for one of two brothers suspected in a mass stabbing that left 10 dead and 18 injured across multiple locations in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Investigators with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said while there were reports that suspect Myles Sanderson may have been spotted at James Smith Cree Nation on Tuesday, further investigation found he is not in the community. Police advised those in the area to seek shelter and not to approach him.

“As the whereabouts of Myles Sanderson remain unknown, the emergency alert is active for the entire province and we continue to urge the public to take appropriate precautions,” RCMP Saskatchewan tweeted Tuesday.

The potential sighting comes two days after a spree of violence that spanned 13 crime scenes in an Indigenous community and a nearby rural village, according to authorities.

Less than three hours after the first attack was reported, authorities identified the suspects as Sanderson, 30, and his brother Damien Sanderson.

On Monday morning, Damien Sanderson, 31, was found dead on the James Smith Cree Nation in a “heavily grassed area” near a house, police said.

His injuries were not believed to be self-inflicted, said Royal Canadian Mounted Police Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore, adding that the exact cause of death would be determined by the Saskatchewan coroner’s office.

Myles Sanderson is considered “armed and dangerous,” Blackmore said. He has a “lengthy criminal record” and had warrants out for his arrest before the stabbings, she said.

Police warned that Sanderson may also be injured and might try to seek medical attention, but did not provide further details on why they believe he might be hurt.

“We do have strong reason to believe that he has sustained some injuries. We’re not exactly sure what those injuries are,” Blackmore said.

Although still at large, Sanderson was charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder and breaking and entering into a residence.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Saskatchewan Health Authority said in a statement it is treating 10 patients for injuries related to Sunday’s mass stabbing.

“Three patients are in critical condition, seven are in stable condition and, since Sunday, seven individuals have been discharged,” the agency said in a statement Tuesday, adding “SHA numbers may differ slightly from other agencies as we only track and report on admissions to hospitals.”

One of the victims was identified as Gloria Burns, a first responder, according to Reuters. She was responding to a crisis call when she was caught up in the violence and killed, her brother Darryl Burns told Reuters, though the agency didn’t say if the call was related to the stabbings.

“She was butchered,” her brother Ivor Burns said​ to Reuters.

Sanderson was previously granted statutory release by the Parole Board of Canada, according to a ruling made on February 1, 2022. The board said in the ruling that it didn’t believe Sanderson would present a risk to the public if released.

“It is the Board’s opinion that you will not present an undue risk to society if released on statutory release and that your release will contribute to the protection of society by facilitating your reintegration into society as a law-abiding citizen,” the decision reads.

The decision did note his long criminal history and that he was assessed by a psychologist for a “moderate risk of violence.”

“Your criminal history is very concerning, including the use of violence and weapons related to your index offences, and your history of domestic violence which victimized family, including your children, and non-family,” the decision states.

“You are assessed as a moderate risk of violence and domestic violence by the psychologist. While your behaviour in custody has not demonstrated significant concerns, there have been some minor incidents. …”

According to the Parole Board of Canada, statutory release is a presumptive release by law that allows an offender to serve part of their sentence in the community under direct supervision. Statutory release aims to provide an offender with structure and support before the end of their sentence to improve their chances at successful reintegration into the community.

“This individual was on statutory release. Statutory release is a presumptive release by law. It is not parole and is not a Parole Board of Canada (PBC) decision,” the board told CNN in an emailed statement.

By Canadian law, the Correctional Service of…