Canadian police have said this is one of the worst massacres in recent history. Source: Shutterstock.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has confirmed that one of the suspects responsible for killing 10 people has been found dead.
Two Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan, Canada were the target of a deadly stabbing attack which saw 10 people dead and multiple injured.
James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon are collectively home to about 3600 indigenous people with the elders having declared a state of emergency.
RCMP Commanding Officer Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore said in a statement that one of the suspects has been found dead.
“After 11:30 a.m., a deceased male was located on the James Smith Cree Nation… the deceased is wanted Damien Sanderson,” she said.
“His body was located outdoors, in a heavily grassed area in proximity to a house being investigated. We can confirm he has visible injuries, not believed to be self-inflicted at this point.”
His bother Myles Sanderson is still wanted by police, who say that he might be injured but remains a threat to the community as he has a lengthy criminal history.
Despite Myles still being at large, police have charged him with three counts of first-degree murder.
A total of 13 crime scenes have been established with 11 people (including Damien) dead and another 19 injured with investigators unsure of a clear motive.
They are hypothesising that the attacks may be drug related with some stabbings random and others targeted.
Some of the victims identified include a 14-year-old boy, a 77 year-old widower named Wes Petterson, a first responder and mother of two, Lana Head.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered his condolences to the victims and their families.
“The attacks in Saskatchewan today are horrific and heartbreaking. I’m thinking of those who have lost a loved one and of those who were injured.”
“To James Smith Cree Nation and the people of Saskatchewan: You are in our thoughts. We are here to support you during this difficult time.”
Chakastaypasin Chief Calvin Sanderson said that the victims were “our relatives [and] friends. It’s pretty horrific.”
The two men were last seen travelling about 320 kilometres south of where the attacks occurred in a black Nissan Rogue.
