The RCMP said some victims of the mass stabbing attacks on the James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN) died trying to help others..Saskatchewan RCMP Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore told the media that JSCN residents put their own lives at risk trying to help other JSCN residents..“I think of that saying ‘Not all heroes wear capes.’ I learned that some heroes wear moccasins because we saw that at James Smith. Protecting people just because that was the right thing to do,” said Blackmore.. James Smith Cree Nation .“They didn’t think of their own safety. And they put themselves in harm’s way.”.On September 4, mass stabber Myles Sanderson murdered 11 and injured 18 people on the JSCN and in the nearby village of Weldon, including killing Damien Sanderson, his brother..READ MORE Parole records show Sask mass stabbing suspect had a violent history, 59 convictions.Gloria Lydia Burns died trying to help Bonnie Burns, who called for help..“When [Gloria] got there and got too close, that’s when she saw the blood and the knives, and rather than run she tried to do the best she could to stop, but they turned on her,” said Herbert Burns, Gloria’s brother. .“She liked doing what she was doing, and she truly believed the Creator would help, but the Creator said ‘no, you’re going beyond. You’re overstepping.’ You need to know when to help and when to step back. She gave her life. And that’s the choice she made.”.Bonnie and Gregory Burns, her son, were murdered.. Myles Sanderson .Blackmore and the RCMP cannot say definitively some victims died while attempting to prevent further attacks..“But I think it speaks to the individuals who were committed to doing what they could to make sure that they were helping individuals who had maybe already been injured,” said Blackmore..“It certainly speaks to heroic acts that were committed that morning by individuals at James Smith as they attempted to protect and assist individuals that were there.”.Blackmore said there are 13 crime scenes, including inside homes, outside, and some vehicles..So far, the RCMP has more than 250 witness statements and almost 700 exhibits from the crime scenes..The RCMP is still putting together a timeline of the murders using witness statements, DNA, and forensics..Blackmore said there could be other people involved in the mass stabbing attacks and the investigation is ongoing..“The overall investigation will determine if there were other parties involved,” said Blackmore..Damien Sanderson helped plan the mass stabbing attacks, but did not kill anyone..READ MORE Mass stabbing attacker killed brother before murderous rampage.The JSCN leadership requested the RCMP increase their patrolling of the first nation..“They wanted to see that more enhanced police presence in their community,” said Blackmore..“You can see the importance and the impact of being there, providing that reassurance.”
