SK stabbing suspect responsible for all deaths, including brother’s: RCMP

Police and investigators are seen at the side of the road outside Rosthern, Sask., on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022. Saskatchewan's chief coroner says two public inquests are to be held following a deadly stabbing rampage northeast of Saskatoon in September.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Kelly Geraldine Malone

Posted October 6, 2022 3:34 pm.

Last Updated October 6, 2022 3:48 pm.

The Saskatchewan RCMP is sharing new details about its investigation into last month’s deadly stabbing rampage, saying one of the men suspected is believed to have carried out the attack on his own.

Eleven people, including the suspect’s brother, were killed in the rampage on the James Smith Cree Nation and in the nearby village of Weldon, northeast of Saskatoon, early last month. Another 18 people were hurt.

Mounties say it’s believed Miles Sanderson killed his brother, Damien, who was found dead in an outdoor grassy area on the Nation.

A side by side image showing Damien Sanderson, left, and his brother Myles Sanderson, right, both of whom were suspects in the deadly Saskatchewan stabbing rampage in September

FILE – This combination of images shown during a press conference at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police “F” Division headquarters in Regina, Saskatchewan, on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022, shows Damien Sanderson, left, and his brother Myles Sanderson. Canadian police said Monday, Sept. 5 Damien Sanderson, one of the suspects in the killing of multiple people in a series of stabbings has been found dead, and his injuries are not self inflicted. (Royal Canadian Mounted Police via AP, File).

In an update Thursday, RCMP Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore said there is evidence Damien was involved in the planning and preparation of the attacks. She added, however, that there was no evidence he committed any homicides.

Investigators note the pair was involved in three violent attacks the day before the murders, although the altercations were not reported to police.

RCMP were also called in to investigate report of a stolen vehicle allegedly taken by Damian the day before.

Mounties found the truck at a residence along with the keys.

Damian was at this home, but provided a false identity.

— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) October 6, 2022

Mounties say officers were also called in to investigate reports of a stolen vehicle allegedly taken by Damien the day before the stabbings. The truck and its keys were found by Mounties at a home that Damian was reportedly at, but say the man provided a false identity.