Topline
Myles Sanderson, the final suspect in Sunday’s stabbing spree that left 10 people dead in Canada’s Saskatchewan province died on Wednesday after he was apprehended by police following an intense manhunt.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police vehicles are seen next to a pickup truck at the scene where suspect … [+] Myles Sanderson was arrested, along Highway 11 near the town of Rosthern, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Key Facts
Sanderson was captured in Rosthern, Saskatchewan around 3:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday after the stolen car he was driving was forced off the road by police vehicles, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
In a press conference announcing his arrest, the RCMP said Sanderson went into “medical distress” shortly after his arrest and was attended to by paramedics.
Sanderson was then taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, the police said without any additional details.
The RCMP said it has asked for an independent investigation into the circumstances leading to Sanderson’s death.
Myles Sanderson’s brother and fellow suspect, Damien, was found dead Monday.
Crucial Quote
“This evening our province is breathing a collective sigh of relief as Myles Sanderson is no longer at large. I can confirm that he is no longer a threat and there is no risk to the public related to this investigation” RCMP Saskatchewan Commander Rhonda Blackmore said.
Key Background
Ten people were killed and at least another 18 were injured in the James Smith Cree Nation and a nearby town in central Saskatchewan on Sunday in one of the worst massacres in Canada’s history. Police have not named a motive for the attacks but have said some of the victims may have been targeted. The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations group released a statement after the attacks suggesting drugs might have been a factor, calling the stabbing spree a product of “the destruction we face when harmful illegal drugs invade our communities.”
What We Don’t Know
The cause of Myles and Damien Sanderson’s deaths. Police said Damien’s injuries did not appear to be self-inflicted but did not disclose the cause behind Myles’ death. The Associated Press, citing an unnamed official, reported the stabbing suspect died from “self-inflicted injuries.”
Tangent
Myles Sanderson was released on parole from a four-year prison sentence in February despite a lengthy history of violent crimes, including assault and robbery. Parole documents show Sanderson, 30, has been convicted of 59 various criminal counts since he turned 18. Canada’s parole board is now reviewing its choice to release Sanderson.
Further Reading
Canada Stabbing: Residents Urged To Shelter In Place After Suspect Allegedly Spotted (Forbes)
Canada stabbings suspect has 59 prior convictions, documents show (BBC News)