The names of the victims in the mass stabbing in Saskatchewan have been released, painting a picture of the tragedy that ripped through two small communities.
A total of 11 people including one of the suspects were slain during the series of stabbings in both James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon, Sask., on Sunday, making it one of Canada’s worst-ever mass killings. Nineteen people, including the second of the two suspects, were injured.
“Our hearts continue to go out to all the families and loved ones impacted by this immense tragedy,” read the press release from the Saskatchewan Coroner’s Service and Saskatchewan RCMP.
Here are the names of the deceased.
Thomas Burns, 23, of James Smith Cree Nation, Sask.
Carol Burns, 46, of James Smith Cree Nation, Sask.
Gregory Burns, 28, of James Smith Cree Nation, Sask.
Lydia Gloria Burns, 61, of James Smith Cree Nation, Sask.
Bonnie Burns, 48, of James Smith Cree Nation, Sask.
Burns is being remembered as a hero and a matriarch, according to her brother, Mark Arcand. He told a news conference she died outside her home while trying to protect her children.
Arcand said his sister was a caring person, and the tragedy has left the family hurting and broken.
Earl Burns, 66, of James Smith Cree Nation, Sask.
No photograph was available.
Lana Head, 49, of James Smith Cree Nation, Sask.
Christian Head, 54, of James Smith Cree Nation, Sask.
Robert Sanderson, 49, of James Smith Cree Nation, Sask.
Wesley Petterson, 78, of Weldon, Sask.
Ruby Works lived next door to Petterson and called him a friend. He liked to do some gardening, she said, planting cucumbers and tomatoes, and liked to show off his two cats.
“He was proud of making his blueberry jelly.”
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April Audette, another one of Wes’s neighbours, said her dog bonded with Petterson.
“He was the sweetest old man. He was the kindest guy,” said Audette.
The coroner’s office said the identities of those injured will not be released, but confirmed that “one young teen” was injured. All others who were hurt in the tragedy were adults, they said.
— With files from The Canadian Press, Global News’ Brody Langager
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