Damien Sanderson, a suspect in a Saskatchewan stabbing that left 10 people dead and 18 injured, was found dead Monday morning in the James Smith Cree area in a grassy area near a home, according to RCMP assistant commissioner Rhonda. Blackmore. Blackmore said Sanderson sustained injuries he didn’t think were of his own making.
Blackmore added that Damien’s brother, Miles Sanderson, may be injured and seek medical attention.
[Previous story, published at 4:59 p.m. ET]
Although the suspects remain at large, police have charged them with first degree premeditated murder, attempted murder and housebreaking and entering, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said on Monday.
“Unfortunately over the past years, such tragedies have become very common,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday. “We will do what we always do in times of distress and pain, we will be there for each other, we will be there for our neighbors, lean on each other, help in grief and aid in healing.”
Trudeau said he contacted James Smith Cree’s nation leaders to offer federal resources. The prime minister said flags on federal buildings and at the Peace Tower in Ottawa would be flown by half of the staff.
“It is certainly a very significant event if not the largest we have seen in recent years,” said Rhonda Blackmore, Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Police said some of the victims appeared to have been targeted while others were indiscriminately assaulted.
Authorities are urging residents in the area to be vigilant and take precautions, including providing shelter in some communities, where suspects remain at large.
In an update on Monday, the Regina Police Chief said “continuous” attempts to find the two men were unsuccessful.
As the chase continues, here’s what we know:
How did the attacks unfold?
Police said they first received a report of a stabbing in the James Smith Cree area at 5:40 a.m. local time (6:40 a.m. ET), and within minutes several more calls came in to report other stabbings across the community.
Police said the situation developed within hours into a mass stabbing incident that resulted in at least 25 victims, 10 of whom died.
Three helicopters from STARS Air Ambulance were dispatched to James Smith Cree Nation during the attack, company spokesman Mark Auden told CNN. He said the first crew that arrived jumped to triage the victims and the second plane brought in a doctor to help triage and lead the emergency response.
Auden said helicopter crews took some of the victims to the Royal University of Saskatoon Hospital and many other patients were taken to local hospitals by ground ambulances. He was unable to provide details of the patients or their conditions.
Police issued multiple alerts about dangerous people throughout the morning, and expanded across Saskatchewan and into neighboring Manitoba and Alberta.
“To everyone in Saskatchewan, especially those close to the James Smith Cree First Nation area, please take cover and keep safe,” he wrote on Twitter.
Authorities identified 13 separate locations where the attacks took place. Police said there may be additional victims who were injured and took themselves to hospital, and urged potential victims to contact law enforcement.
“Our thoughts are with the many dead and injured victims, their families, friends and community. It is horrific what happened in our county today,” Blackmore said.
Who are the suspects?
Less than three hours after the first attack was reported, police identified Damian Sanderson and Miles Sanderson as suspects in the stabbing incident.
Damian Sanderson, 31, was described by authorities as 5 feet 7 inches and 155 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Miles Sanderson, 30, is 6 feet 1 inch tall and 240 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes, according to police.
Officials did not say whether or not the couple were related.
Police said the car they were believed to be driving was spotted around 11:45 a.m. in Regina. Regina is located more than 300 kilometers (186 miles) south of the James Smith Cree Nation.
“This is why we need everyone in the county to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity by calling 911 immediately,” Blackmore said in a statement Sunday. “If you see suspects and/or their vehicle, do not approach them or their vehicle, leave the area immediately, and call 911.”
“If Damian and Miles are listening to or receiving this information, I will ask them to turn themselves into police immediately,” Blackmore said in a letter to the two suspects.
What was the response of the officials?
The attacks shook Canadian residents and officials.
“There are no words to adequately describe the pain and loss this senseless violence has caused. All of Saskatchewan mourns the victims and their families,” Mo wrote.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba are jointly investigating the stabbing incidents.
“We are dedicating as many resources as possible to this investigation,” Blackmore said.
James Smith Cree Nation leaders said in a statement that two emergency centers had been set up to “provide health support” to affected communities.
The club said in a statement on Twitter: “The club runs a central command on match day that allows immediate contact with local emergency services and the ability to receive the latest information when any type of emergency occurs.”
Paula Newton, Amy Simonson, Amir Vera, Tanika Gray, and Jennifer of CNN contributed to this report.
