Canadian police have concluded that Myles Sanderson, who led officers on a multi-day manhunt after a mass stabbing last month, was responsible for all 11 deaths – including that of his brother.
Officers initially named Sanderson’s brother Damien as a suspect in the stabbings in James Smith Cree Nation and the nearby town of Weldon, Saskatchewan.
But on Tuesday the commanding officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in the province told reporters they had concluded Damien was a victim who played no part in the killings.
“Myles Sanderson committed all of the homicides alone,” said Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore.
After his deadly rampage, in which 18 people were also injured on 4 September, Myles Sanderson evaded an intensive search for four days until he was captured by police following a high-speed chase near the city of Saskatoon.
Sanderson then went into what police described as “medical distress” and died in custody soon after.
Damien Sanderson was initially charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder and one count of breaking and entering in connection to the mass stabbing.
Police said on Thursday all charges had been withdrawn by the Crown following the deaths of Myles and Damien, according to RCMP.
Damien’s body was found in a grassy area on James Smith Cree Nation on 5 September. Police said at the time they did not believe his wounds were self-inflicted.
“The Saskatchewan RCMP believes it is important to clarify Damien’s involvement in the sequence of these events to demonstrate our continued commitment to transparency to the victims and the families of those affected and to the public,” said Blackmore.
Also on Thursday the Parole Board of Canada and Correctional Service of Canada announced they would create a joint board to investigate Myles Sanderson’s release from federal custody.
Sanderson, who was serving a nearly five-year sentence for assault, robbery, mischief and uttering threats, and had a long history of violence, was granted statutory release in August 2021.
After failing to remain in contact with his parole officer, Crime Stoppers issued an alert in May that Sanderson was “unlawfully at large”.
The newly created board will investigate whether policies and protocols were correctly followed during Sanderson’s release from federal custody and will make recommendations or suggest corrective measures if necessary.
