Ten people are dead and at least 15 more are injured in what RCMP are calling the largest mass killing in the province’s recent history.
Officers are investigating 13 different crime scenes, while the two men believed to be responsible for the murders—Damien and Myles Sanderson—are still at large.
“It is certainly a very significant event—if not the largest, then the largest we’ve seen in the last number of years,” Saskatchewan RCMP commanding officer Rhonda Blackmore said during a press conference Sunday afternoon.
RCMP says the Sandersons fled James Smith Cree Nation this morning in a black Nissan Rogue with plate numbers 119 MPI. They were last spotted on Arcola Avenue in Regina at around 11:45 a.m.
Regina Police Chief Evan Bray said they believe both suspects are still in the city. He urged anyone who knows their location to contact police.
“It’s very common in situations like this for people to have information,” Bray said during the press conference. “I think it’s safe to say someone knows potentially the whereabouts of these suspects. Someone knows information that might be helpful to police and so this is a time where we are asking the public to reach out and help.”
Police say it’s too early to tell what the motive may have been for the killings. Blackmore said some victims were targeted, while others appeared to be random.
Police are also unsure about the total number of injured. Blackmore said 15 have been transported to hospital, but they believe more may have transported themselves or with help from friends and family.
Anyone who was injured during the attacks is asked to contact police at 314-RCMP.
Police were called to the scene of the first attack in James Smith Cree Nation at around 5:40 a.m. Blackmore said the early incidents were stabbings, but with so many crime scenes, it’s too early to say if other weapons were used.
Premier Scott Moe offered his condolences to the victims and their families in a short statement posted to social media at around 3:55 a.m.
“There are no words to adequately describe the pain and loss caused by this senseless violence,” Moe wrote. “All of Saskatchewan grieves with the victims and their families.”
Flags at the Legislature and other provincial buildings were lowered to half mast on Sunday. They will remain at half mast for one day for every life lost.
Regina Police Chief Evan Bray said at around 8 p.m. that police continue to believe Damien and Myles Sanderson are in the City of Regina. RCMP will monitor the investigation overnight and broadcast any critical updates or risks to public safety via emergency alert. RCMP will also provide a written update of the investigation at 10:30 a.m. on Monday.
As for victim support, the Prince Albert Grand Council and other community groups will assist the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s mental health staff in providing socials supports for residents affected by the tragedy.
An increased security presence will remain at local hospitals into Monday.