From the Saskatchewan RCMP investigation to date into the mass stabbings in the James Smith Cree Nation and the community of Weldon, investigators believe Damien Sanderson was killed by his brother Myles. Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore, Commanding Officer for the Saskatchewan RCMP, says originally Damien had been charged with one count each of first degree murder, attempted murder and break and enter. Now, police believe Myles Sanderson was responsible for all eleven of the homicides on his own. However, Blackmore says, Damien was involved in the planning of the attacks. The timeline for when he was killed will be part of the final report.

Blackmore adds that the day before the stabbings, Myles and Damien Sanderson were actively selling drugs at James Smith Cree Nation, and both were involved in three violent altercations involving other individuals, but none were reported to police. RCMP had been at the Cree Nation looking for Damien that same day, after a caller who wanted to remain anonymous reported that Damien had stolen a vehicle.

At one point, officers were in a home where the stolen vehicle was found out front and asked three males to identify themselves. The officers had an outdated picture of Damien from 2014, and didn’t recognize him. It is now known that Damien was one of them, but he gave a false name.

Blackmore says between September 3rd and 8th, 4600 calls were received related to this investigation. There have been 250 interviews, over 670 exhibits, and police are following up on over 100 9-1-1 calls for service.