Vanessa Burns, the former wife of Myles Sanderson, the man responsible for the September 4, 2022 attacks in Saskatchewan, gave a very moving statement at the coroner's inquest into the murder.
What happened on September 4, 2022?
On September 4, 2022, Myles Sanderson stabbed 11 people, including his brother Damien Sanderson, and injured 17 others in the James Smith Cree Nation and the neighboring village of Weldon, Saskatchewan. This is the worst knife attack in Canadian history.
A three-day manhunt ensued before police discovered the car in which Myles Sanderson was traveling on September 7 near the village of Rosthern, 40 miles (66 km) north east of Saskatoon.
Shortly after his arrest, the refugee began to have difficulty breathing. Paramedics were called to the scene to take him to a hospital in Saskatoon, where he was eventually pronounced dead.
Vanessa Burns emotionally interrupted herself several times while discussing her abusive relationship.
At first he was charming, funny. He seemed normal, she said.
Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse in 2008, two months into their relationship.
Vanessa Burns explains that Myles cheated on her multiple times, beat her and emotionally abused her. His temper landed Myles behind bars several times. Despite everything, Vanessa continued to defend him out of compassion.
I know how his absence affects our children. […] He is a good father and helps around the house. “We miss him,” she even wrote in a letter to the parole board.
During this abusive relationship, Damien Sanderson, Myles' brother, often came to Vanessa's aid.
Damien was the only one who could help me against Myles' attacks.
Vanessa Burns now admits that she was afraid of her partner at the time.
Dad tried to kill me
Daddy Tried to Kill Me: Through this text message sent by her 13-year-old son on September 4, 2022, Vanessa learned of the tragic events that had occurred in the James Smith Cree Nation.
My son told me that Myles came to my parents' house [où l’enfant demeurait]says Vanessa. He saw nothing, but heard the sounds of fighting. […] He told me that Myles had stabbed my mother and father. He didn't know where his grandfather was.
Hours later, Vanessa Burns learned that her father had died.
It became much more real when the emergency alarm started ringing on my phone.
I was afraid, she recalls, because I believed Myles would come and kill her. Where should I go? I can't go anywhere. I can't go home.
This fear only ended when Vanessa found out about her partner's death.
The first words my daughter said to me when we found out Myles was dead were, “At least you won’t get beaten up again.”
Pay attention to your community
Concluding her testimony, Vanessa Burns wanted to emphasize that she would like to see a better probation system for people convicted of domestic violence. She emphasizes that longer prison sentences could be beneficial if the absence of the violent spouse also benefits the family.
“As far as my community is concerned, I would like it to pay more attention to its members and what is happening there,” she said in a message apparently aimed at members of the nation, shouts James Smith in the audience. Take care of your community!
During her relationship with Myles, Vanessa says that she visited a women's and children's home several times. However, she chose to leave each time because these shelters were overcrowded.
I moved back in with Myles because I had nowhere to go,” she explains. We need larger accommodations for families like mine.
During his cross-examination, Darryl Burns, whose sister Gloria Burns died in the attacks, made a point of addressing Vanessa.
I lost a sister that day. I lost a friend, your father. “I lost a lot of family members,” he said, his voice shaking. I want to tell you that I'm not mad at you. I love you and I love your family.
The coroner's inquest, which began on January 15, is expected to shed light on the victims' deaths, including how they were killed and when and where it happened. The aim is also to make recommendations to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
A second inquest into the death of Myles Sanderson is scheduled for February.