- Details
- By Darren Thompson
Myles Sanderson, the primary suspect in the stabbing spree on James Cree Nation that left 10 people dead and 19 injured over the weekend, died in police custody Wednesday afternoon, Canadian law-enforcement officials have reported.
Sanderson went into "medical distress" shortly after being taken into custody and later died at the hospital where he was taken, Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore, commanding officer of the Saskatchewan Royal Canadian Mounted Police, said. There will be an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sanderson's death and an autopsy will be conducted later this week, Blackmore said.
The news followed an announcement earlier in the day that Sanderson had been located and taken into custody at approximately 3:30 p.m.
Brother Myles and Damien Sanderson allegedly carried out the deadly stabbing spree on Sunday in 13 separate locations throughout the James Smith Cree Nation and in Weldon. The Saskatchewan Coroner’s Service said that nine people killed were from the James Smith Cree Nation and it is unclear if the suspect is related to any of the deceased.
Damien Sanderson was found dead on Monday, not far from one of the crime scenes. Authorities have reported that his wounds did not appear to be self-inflicted. Authorities announced that they are investigating whether Myles killed him.
According to media reports, Myles was released by a parole board in February and has been wanted by police since May for violating conditions related to his release. He had 59 convictions, with an extensive list of violent crimes such as assault and robbery.
Sanderson faced three counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder and one count of breaking-and-entering.
In a related story, an online GoFundMe that was created after Sunday’s incident to help victims has been closed after it reached a $100,000 goal, according to a news release from the James Smith Cree Nation. A spokesperson for the Tribe said that any other crowdfunding campaigns have not been endorsed by the James Smith Cree Nation or its Emergency Operations Centre.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Florida Man Gored by Bison in Yellowstone
Yee Ha'ólníi Doo Receives $1 Million Boost to Expand Critical Home Repair Program for Navajo Families
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.