Suspect in Sask. stabbings found dead, while 2nd accused still at large: RCMP

WARNING: This story contains distressing details.

One of the two suspects on the run since a string of fatal stabbings in Saskatchewan on Sunday has been found dead, police confirmed on Monday.

Damien Sanderson, 31, was found dead with wounds that did not appear to be self-inflicted, said Rhonda Blackmore, commanding officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP.

His body was found in a heavily grassed area of the James Smith Cree Nation at about 11:30 a.m. on Monday, near a house police were examining as part of the investigation.

Police are still searching for hisbrother, MylesSanderson, 32.

Ten people died in the attacks on Sunday in the James Smith Cree Nation and nearby Weldon, Sask. The injury toll has risen to 18. Neither of these tallies include the Sanderson brothers.

Myles faces three counts of first-degree murder; Damien had beencharged with one count of first-degree murder. Both men alsowere charged withattempted murderand break and enter.

Police from Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba weresearching for the Sandersons after the attacksprompteda dangerous-persons alert.

Police said Myles may have sustained injuries, though thathas yet to be confirmed.

"We do want the public to know this because there is a possibility he may seek medical attention," Blackmoresaid.

"Even if he is injured, it does not mean he is not still dangerous," she added, noting that Myles has a lengthy criminal record involving crimes against people and property.

When asked whetherMyles was a suspect in Damien's death,Blackmoresaidpolice couldn't yet sayif he was involved.

"It is an investigativeavenuethat we are following up on."

CBCNews has confirmed that Lana Head, 49, is one of the deceased from James Smith Cree Nation. She leaves behind four daughters and a son.

Head's former partner, Michael Brett Burns, said Head worked as a security guard at Northern Lights Casino and was also a commissionaire officer.

Her death was first reported by APTN.

CBCNews has also confirmed that 77-year-oldWes Pettersonof Weldon andGloria Burns, a 62-year-old first responder, are among the dead. Burns was killedin James Smith Cree Nation while responding to a crisiscall during the stabbing spree, according to her siblings.

Saskatoon policeearlier confirmed they've been searching for Myles Sanderson since May,whenhe stopped meeting with his assigned caseworkerand was classified as "unlawfully at large."

He had been serving a nearlyfive-yearfederal sentence for assault, robbery, mischief and uttering threats. He receiveda statutory releaseand then disappeared.

In an update posted to Twitter at 7:36 a.m. CST on Monday, Regina police Chief Evan Bray had said the two suspectswerestill at large, despite "ongoing, relentless efforts through the night" from Regina police and RCMP officers to apprehend them.

Blackmore said hundreds of Saskatchewan RCMP staff, from operators to major crime units, have been working on the investigation.

Police saidthere wasno indication the two men travelled out of the province.

The Cree Nation and Weldonare within 60 kilometres of Prince Albertand about 20 kilometres fromeach other.

Police resources from across Saskatchewan,Manitoba and Alberta have been assistingwith the multiple investigations, according to RCMP.

Myles Sanderson isdescribed as:

• Six-foot-one.
• 240 pounds.
• With brown hair and brown eyes.

RCMPhad said before Monday's briefing thatthe two men were believed to be in a black Nissan Rogue with a Saskatchewan licence plate 119 MPI.

According to police, the vehicle was last reported seen in Regina at about 11:20 a.m. CST on Sunday, though it hasn't been confirmed.

The Canada Border Services Agency said itwas working with domestic and international law enforcement to "ensure border security, intelligence and enforcement."

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), which represents 74 First Nation communities in Saskatchewan including James Smith Cree Nation, joined a chorus of people offering their condolences to the James Smith Cree Nation after the "unspeakable violence that claimed the lives of innocent people."

"This is the destruction we face when harmful illegal drugs invade our communities, and we demand all authorities to take direction from the Chiefs and Councils and their membership to create safer and healthier communities for our people," said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron in a statement late Sunday.

The FSIN also said it has been in contact with the federal government, which has committed to providing support to the communities.

Violence'has no place in our country': PM

Before the latest police briefing Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the country, expressing his condolences to those affected.

"This kind of violence, or any kind of violence, has no place in our country," he said.

Trudeau saidthe federal government continues to monitor the situation closely and has spoken with the leadership of James Smith Cree Nation.

He said he also spoke with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, and added that Ottawa will be there with the necessary resources "in this time of crisis."

WATCH|Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressesthe deadly attacks:

'This kind of violence has no place in our country,' says Trudeau

2 years ago

Duration 1:35

Addressing the deadly attacks in Saskatchewan, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canadians will receive support and should 'be there for each other.'

Trudeau said "we'll continue to work as partners in the weeks, months and years to come through grieving and healing."

In a tweet published Sunday night, Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu said she reached out to chiefs and leadership to mobilizesupports "as quickly as possible."

Indigenous Services Canada told CBC in an email it's working with the Cree Nation, FSIN and Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority (NITHA) to "identify and ensure health services and supports will be in place, including mental wellness support, for James Smith Cree Nation and neighbouring communities."

NITHAis an Indigenous health services organization that serves 33 First Nation communities, including James Smith Cree Nation.

The James Smith Cree Nation has asked for privacy.

Moe was among those who offered condolences Sunday to those affected by the stabbings.

The Saskatchewan government said in a statement late Sunday that it hadactivated Provincial Command, whichhelps co-ordinate and deploy resources, and deployed victim services to the community.It also supplemented other law enforcement resources with 16 staff from the provincial protective services.

In a statement posted to social media, Moe called the attacks "horrific beyond anything that any of us could ever imagine." The premiersaid Saskatchewan is looking to provide safety and care to those affectedand called for residents to provide any helpful information they may have to police.

4 patients in critical condition: health authority

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) entered a Code Orange following the influx of critical patients from the stabbings on Sunday.

On Monday, Anne Lindemann with the health authority said hospitalswereno longer in a Code Orange.

WATCH | How the Saskatchewantragedy unfolded:

A timeline of how the Sask. stabbing rampage unfolded

2 years ago

Duration 2:49

What we know so far about when and where the stabbings of 28 people in Saskatchewan happened and the police response.

The SHA says 13 patients remain in hospital.

Four patients are in critical condition,nine are in stable condition and four have been discharged home to family, according to the health authority.

"Along with providing for the immediate medical care required for those affected, the SHA is working on deployment of mental health resources to families, communities, physicians and staff impacted," Lindemann said in an email.

In an emailed statement on Monday, the Canadian Red Cross said it's sending workers to the areato "provide comfort and support to family members and the communityimpacted" by the attacks.

The Red Cross said it's working with James Smith Cree Nation and the FSINwith support from the Prince Albert Grand Council and federal government.

Support is available for anyone affected by the latest reports. You can talk to a mental health professional via Wellness Together Canadaby calling 1-866-585-0445 or text WELLNESS to686868 for youth or741741 for adults. It is free and confidential.

The Hope for Wellness hotline offers immediate help toIndigenouspeople across Canada. Mental health counselling and crisis support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat atwww.hopeforwellness.ca.