Partner of killer in James Smith Cree Nation mass stabbing expected to speak at inquest Thursday
CBC
WARNING: This story contains distressing details.
The partner of Myles Sanderson, the man responsible for the 2022 James Smith Cree Nation mass stabbing, is expected to speak Thursday at a coroner's inquest examining the deadly rampage.
Sanderson's partner, Vanessa Burns, is among the James Smith community members expected to testify as the inquest enters its fourth day.
The coroner's inquest is examining the fatal stabbings in Saskatchewan on Sept. 4, 2022, when Sanderson killed 11 people — 10 in James Smith Cree Nation and one man in the neighbouring village of Weldon — and injured 17 others.
Sanderson, 32, died in custody shortly after police arrested him on Sept. 7, 2022.
The inquest began on Monday in Melfort — a small city about 30 kilometres southeast of James Smith Cree Nation — and is scheduled to continue until Feb. 2. It is not meant to assign legal responsibility for the deaths, but its six jury members will be tasked with providing recommendations to help prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.
On Wednesday, RCMP Const. Tanner Maynard testified about his experience as one of the first officers to arrive at the scene. It was the first time the inquest had heard from a responding officer.
He spoke about the continuous reports of attacks that were coming through his radio as he drove from one house to another.
Approximately 50 RCMP officers descended on James Smith. A police plane was sent from Saskatoon. Ambulances arrived from Melfort, Prince Albert and elsewhere. An armed conservation officer provided security at the band office so RCMP could search for suspects and accompany medical staff.
"There were vehicles coming from everywhere. There were people grieving, people screaming in pain," Maynard testified.
Earlier Wednesday, Maynard testified that the day before the stabbings, he met Damien Sanderson — Myles's brother — but didn't realize that's who he was speaking to at the time.
Maynard was looking for Damien after a vehicle had been reported stolen by Damien's ex-partner. Maynard testified that Damien gave him a false name.
Damien Sanderson later became his brother's first victim.
RCMP officers also spoke Wednesday about the local mistrust of RCMP in James Smith Cree Nation. A local security force at the First Nation says communication has improved with the police force since the stabbings.
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