‘Too scared to go to sleep’: Weldon residents shocked, afraid as they mourn stabbing victim

Ruby Works is terrified to close her eyes at night.

Works and other residents of Weldon – the small and quiet community northeast of Saskatoon – say they are shocked, devastated and afraid.

“I don’t feel safe,” said Works.

Across Saskatchewan they are still waiting for answers after the weekend’s deadly rampage that killed 10 people and injured another 18 in Weldon and the nearby James Smith Cree Nation.

Works knew one of the stabbing victims, saying the whole community is mourning his loss. A small memorial was set up beside his property.

Memorial outside stabbing victim’s home in Weldon, Sask., on Sept. 5, 2022. (Credit: CityNews/Rod Maldaner)

“When I got the news I collapsed,” said Works. “I hit my knees right down to the ground. I couldn’t breathe, I had to catch my breath.”

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The Weldon resident says most people have been keeping to themselves since the killings.

“They’re all devastated, they’re all in shock. They’re all probably even scared to come out of their homes, scared to open their doors. They’re probably too scared to go to sleep.”

The body of one of the two suspects, Damien Sanderson, was discovered on the James Smith Cree Nation on Monday, not far from one of the crime scenes.

Another suspect remains on the run. RCMP previously believed Myles Sanderson had been spotted on the James Smith Cree Nation. Police later determined he was not located in the community.

Police say the road towards understanding and healing cannot be begin until the second suspect has been arrested.

“There’s a lot of grief with tragedy like this and unknown whereabouts. There is a lot of anxiety in our province right now and in our communities throughout the country,” said Regina police Chief Evan Bray.

“So we need to begin the healing process and until we make this arrest we cannot make that happen.”

Meanwhile Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said flags at provincial government buildings will be lowered to half-mast one day for each person killed.

I want to offer my deepest condolences on behalf of the government and people of Saskatchewan to all of the family and friends of the victims of today’s horrific attacks.

— Scott Moe (@PremierScottMoe) September 4, 2022