Vanessa Burns (left) and her sister Deborah address the media at the Coroner's Inquest (File photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Year in Review: Inquest

Year In Review: Coroner’s inquest held in Melfort

Dec 23, 2024 | 11:40 AM

The Coroner’s inquest into the murders on James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon in 2022 was held in Melfort in 2024.

The inquest took place at the Kerry Vickar Centre from Jan. 15 to 31 and delved into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 11 people, and the injuring of 18 others.

The first couple of days focused on the details of the day in question – Sept. 4, 2022. Staff Sgt. Robin Zentner testified to the specific moments during the rampage, the order in which people were killed, and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Further testimony during the inquest centered around the man responsible for the attacks. Several experts testified on Myles Sanderson’s upbringing, criminal history, incarceration, and drug use.

The inquest was very emotional at times, with testimony from various James Smith residents and family members of the victims. That included testimony from Sanderson’s ex, Vanessa Burns, about their life together and the domestic violence she experienced at his hands.

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The jurors at the inquest made 14 different recommendations, while Coroner Clive Weighill also made 15 recommendations, many toward the RCMP and the James Smith Cree Nation in an effort to avoid future incidents like the mass stabbing in 2022.

Several family members indicated they agreed with most of the recommendations. Darryl Burns, who lost his sister in the attack, told the media during a news scrum that if there is no action on the recommendations in five years’ time, then the family would be disappointed.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK