The Saskatchewan Coroner’s Service has announced a tentative time frame for inquests into the deaths in September on the James Smith Cree Nation and near Weldon. The inquests have been tentatively scheduled for early January 2024. The RCMP is continuing its investigation, and the inquest will begin once it has been completed.
Last fall, after the 11 deaths that occurred on September 4, 2022, the Coroner’s Service indicated there would be two inquests. One into the 11 deaths and one for Myles Sanderson who is believed responsible for those deaths. Eighteen people were also injured in the mass stabbing.
Saskatchewan’s Chief Coroner says his office was optimistic they would be able to hold the inquests either in the spring or the summer of 2023. However, Clive Weighill says, “The investigation is very complex and the RCMP is still receiving new information. We need to ensure that all aspects of the investigations are complete before we can move ahead to ensure the inquest is as comprehensive and well-informed as possible.”
In this instance, an inquest will be held in accordance with Section 19 (b): “inform the public of circumstances surrounding a death”, and Section 19 (c): “bring dangerous practices or conditions to light and facilitate the making of recommendations to avoid preventable deaths.”
Weighill says the purpose of the inquest is to establish the events leading to the death, who died, when and where that person died and the medical cause and manner of death. The coroner’s jury may also make recommendations to prevent similar occurrences.
From the Saskatchewan RCMP investigation to date into the mass stabbings, investigators believe Damien Sanderson was killed by his brother Myles. In October 2022, Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore, Commanding Officer for the Saskatchewan RCMP, had said 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 11 of the homicides on his own. However, Blackmore says, his brother Damien was involved in the planning of the attacks. The timeline for when he was killed will be part of the final report.
