It was also announced on Tuesday that the man had been a repeatedly delinquent for more than two decades “without major interruptions”. As an adult, he was convicted of a total of 59 counts over the years, including some assault, threats of violence and theft, according to a February probation file that is available to the German Press Agency. The man has struggled with alcohol and drug problems since late childhood and began using cocaine at age 14.
A second suspect, the fugitive’s brother a year older, was found dead on Monday. “He had visible injuries that we don’t believe at this time were self-inflicted,” said principal investigator Rhonda Blackmore in Regina, the capital of Saskatchewan. Investigators suspect the two brothers are responsible for the bloody crimes at two locations across the province, the James Smith Cree Nation Reservation and the village of Weldon. Ten victims died and 18 were injured. The dead man was found on the reservation near a house where police were investigating.
The US government reacted with dismay to the knife attack in Canada. That was “useless and devastating,” White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday in Washington. “Our thoughts are with the victims of this terrible attack.” The United States stands with its ally and neighbor Canada.