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This February, the Parole Board of Canada examined the complicated and violent life story of Myles Brandon Sanderson, the at-large suspect in last weekend’s bloody stabbing rampage in northern Saskatchewan.

And it came to a striking conclusion.

“It is the Board’s opinion that you will not present an undue risk to society,” the panel concluded, releasing Sanderson from custody, “and that your release will contribute to the protection of society by facilitating your reintegration into society as a law-abiding citizen.”

Police are searching for Sanderson, 32, in connection with the stabbing rampage that killed 11 people and injured 18 — acts that have terrorized the close-knit residents of Saskatchewan’s James Smith Cree Nation, horrified the country and been noted around the world.

Among the 11 dead is Sanderson’s brother, Damien. His body was found a day after the others but the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are exploring the possibility that Myles Sanderson — currently charged with three counts of first-degree murder — killed him.

Damien Sanderson, described by loved ones as a “loving, caring, funny family man,” had been sought in connection with the attacks before his body was found in high grass near a house on the reserve.

The alleged crimes are shocking in their murderous violence. But the Parole Board’s written decision outlines a life that was shockingly unstable from Myles Sanderson’s earliest years.

“You and your siblings grew up in an urban centre in an environment involving physical abuse, domestic violence and instability,” the board wrote in its decision.

When he was nine, Sanderson’s parents separated.

The boy went to live with his father and his father’s girlfriend, where he “witnessed more violence.” Next, he went to live with his grandparents but again ended up in “an abusive environment.” Then, Sanderson returned to live with his father.

If there was a recipe for this tragedy, the ingredients started simmering two decades ago, the parole board document suggests.

It includes, in equal parts, drugs, violence, despair, neglect and “intergenerational impacts of residential schools.”

At 12 years old, Myles Sanderson started drinking and smoking marijuana.

At 14, he added cocaine into the mix.

“You … said that your regular use of cocaine, marijuana and hard alcohol would make you ‘lose your mind’ and that you can be easily angered when drunk, but are a different person when sober.”

In his mid-teens, he became a father but has had no contact with the child — one of six children mentioned by the parole board.

“Your criminal offending commenced at a young age and has continued with no significant breaks for almost two decades,” the report states.

As an adult, Sanderson’s propensity for violent crime reached dangerous and dizzying heights as he racked up 59 convictions, the most recent sampling of which were laid out for the board’s consideration.

In July 2017, he entered the home of an ex-girlfriend — where two of his children were sleeping — uttering threats and making references to a gang. The startled and frightened children took shelter in an upstairs bathtub while he punched a hole in the bathroom door. Eventually coaxed outside, Sanderson threw a cement block through the car window of one of his ex-girlfriend’s friends, then fled before police arrived.

“A few days later, you got into an argument with a First Nation band store employee, tried to fight the victim, and then threatened to murder him and burn down his parents’ house,” the report noted.

A few months later, in November, he attacked a potential accomplice, hitting him with a gun and “stomping on his head” until he agreed to rob a fast-food restaurant with a firearm for a $150 haul.

In April 2018, while drinking at a residence, he stabbed two men with a fork, then attacked a bystander.

“You beat him until he lost consciousness in a ditch. You then returned to the residence and kicked in the door, which had been locked,” the report stated.

In June 2018, he was involved with a standoff with police after being caught trying to sneak out the back window of his partner’s residence.

“When police ordered you to stop, you went back into the house and refused to come out, stating that police would have to shoot you.”

He eventually surrendered, but attacked a police officer while in handcuffs, kicking the officer in the face and on the top of the head until the arresting officers could get the door of the cruiser closed.

The report notes that Sanderson participated in programs and activities for convicts, while enrolling in self-help courses and receiving an employment certificate. As an Indigenous offender, he participated in a counselling program intended to help him reconnect with Indigenous culture and traditional values as well as a “high intensity program” that included dozens of sessions and ceremonies intended to help offenders control their emotions, improve their social skills and develop goals and healing plans.

In February 2021, Sanderson’s security classification was reduced to minimum. He was transferred to his correctional facility’s healing lodge and then in August 2021 was given statutory release, akin to parole but automatically granted after two-thirds of a sentence is served.

His conditions were that he stay away from alcohol and drugs; that he follow treatment plans and programs to deal with substance abuse and violence; that he stay away from four unnamed victims; and that he have no relationships (sexual or otherwise) with women without the permission of his parole officer.

But four months later, Sanderson’s ex-wife called his parole officer to report that he had been living with her for two months in contravention of his conditions.

He went back to prison, but was placed in a medium-security facility.

This February’s hearing at the Parole Board was to handle his request that the suspension of his release be reversed.

Sanderson’s parole supervisor recommended he remain in prison. Sanderson himself appeared with an assistant, who offered accommodation and support.

“You said that you had made progress on your healing journey in that you had stayed sober, found employment assisting an Elder, arranged for a therapist to deal with domestic violence and other issues, and had supports,” the report noted.

And the board ultimately ruled in his favour, despite the grim history recounted in the 10-page document and the conclusions that he posed high risks on a Spousal Assault Risk Assessment and a Violence Risk Appraisal Guide.

“The Board recognizes that you have a significant journey to make to change your lifestyle and attitudes to live a prosocial life,” the report stated. “The Board is satisfied that your risk is manageable in the community if you live with your (redacted), maintain sobriety and employment and continue with developing supports, including getting therapy.”

Sanderson got out, but four months later he had slipped off the radar. In May 2022, he stopped reporting to his parole officer and was being sought by police.

Five months on, with 11 people dead — in addition to suspected injuries Sanderson has himself suffered — the James Smith Cree Nation in mourning and the country on edge, the search continues.

Correction — Sept 7, 2022 — This story has been updated.

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