10 Killed and 18 Injured in Saskatchewan Stabbing Attacks
Ten people have been killed and 18 injured in a stabbing spree on the James Smith Cree Nation and in the village of Weldon in Saskatchewan. The two suspects, Damien Sanderson and Myles Sanderson, are still at large.
Police received first reports of a stabbing on the James Smith Cree Nation at 5:40 a.m. local time Sunday morning. Within minutes, police received several more phone calls reporting stabbings. In total, officers received reports of stabbings from thirteen locations.
Rhonda Blackmore, the Assistant Commissioner of the RCMP in Saskatchewan said some of the victims were intentionally targeted. Other victims were attacked at random. Residents of Weldon have begun identifying the victims killed in Sunday’s attack. Wes Petterson, 77, and mother of two Lana Head was identified by her former partner.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the attacks “horrifying and heartbreaking” in a tweet sent Sunday evening. On Monday afternoon, he released a tweet saying that the Canadian flag would fly at half-mast to honor those who have died.
The suspects have been identified as Damien Sanderson, 31, and Myles Sanderson, 30. Officials have not stated whether the suspects are related. They are believed to be traveling in a black Nissan Rogue with the license plate 119 MPI.
By midday, police had issued a statement saying that the suspects were spotted in Regina, 335 kilometers (208 miles) from the community where the stabbings occurred. Both suspects are still at large. Although the men were thought to be in Regina, their suspicions have not been confirmed.
Within the past hour, police have charged both suspects on charges of first degree murder, attempted murder, and one count of breaking and entering. The number of injured persons was initially 15, but has now raised to 18.
Damien Sanderson (left) is described as being 5-feet-7 inches tall and weighs about 155 pounds. Myles Sanderson (right) has been described as 6-feet-1 inches tall and weighs about 240 pounds. Both have brown hair and brown eyes.
