MISSING PERSON UPDATE

The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service is continuing to seek the public’s assistance in locating a missing person from Akwesasne.

Casey Oakes, age 30, was reported missing on Thursday, March 30, 2023.  He was last seen Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at approximately 9:30 p.m., boarding a small, light blue coloured vessel departing from the East end of Cornwall Island.

Wearing a black vest, snow pants, black face mask, and a black toque. 

A search of the local waterways commenced on Thursday, March 30, 2023. Police located 6 bodies at approximately 5:00 p.m. in a marsh area in Tsi Snaihne (Snye) Akwesasne, Quebec.

A vessel matching the description as being operated by Casey Oakes was located near the location of the deceased persons. It was removed by police and placed in secure storage for further processing.

The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Marine Unit commenced the search of the area this morning with assistance from the Sûreté du Quebec and the Hogansburg Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department. Divers will also be in the area.  We request the public and the media to please stay away from the search area.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Casey Oakes or sees a person matching this description is asked to contact the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service at (613) 575-2000.  

 

It is important to note that a public request for information is not the first step in all missing persons’ cases; if police can investigate and locate the missing individual while maintaining that person’s privacy, it is the preferred outcome.  In some cases, taking the additional step of notifying the public and media and asking for their help is necessary.  That may happen very quickly in an investigation, or it may be a step that is taken later when all other investigative avenues have been exhausted.