AMPS MISSING PERSON UPDATE – APRIL 6, 2023
MEDIA RELEASE
The Akwesasne Mohawk Police’s investigation continues into the whereabouts of the missing Akwesasne male, Casey Oakes, 30. He was last seen boarding a boat on Wednesday, March 29 and was reported missing on Thursday, March 30, 2023.
The local waterways were searched from March 30, 2023, to April 5, 2023, with the assistance of the Canadian Coast Guard, Hogansburg Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department (HAVFD) and other local law enforcement agencies.
During the search, police located the bodies of eight deceased victims.
Investigators now believe Casey Oakes was connected to the deceased victims recovered from the water last week. An essential part of this investigation is determining whether or not this travel was facilitated by an individual or individuals. The investigation of the eight deceased victims is still in its early stages, and investigators are still trying to piece together what transpired. Police will not provide any further information at this time.
The AMPS believe that they have exhausted their efforts on the water. Unless they receive actionable intelligence, the AMPS Snowmobile All-Terrain Vessel Enforcement (SAVE) Team will resume normal patrol operations effective today and suspend the organized search. There will continue to be efforts made as part of daily operations to find Casey and we ask the community to continue being on the lookout for any sign of him.
If you have any information to assist with the investigation, please contact Akwesasne Mohawk Police at 613-575-2340 or submit a secure tip by email at tips@akwesasne.ca.
“Even the smallest bit of information could be significant,” said Acting Staff Sergeant Detective Kariwate Mitchell.
If you wish to provide information that would help investigators and would like to remain anonymous, call the Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
PREVIOUSLY RELEASED INFORMATION
Casey Oakes was reported missing on March 30, 2023. He is described as an Indigenous male, approximately 5’11.5” tall and approximately 190 lbs. He has a slim build, brown hair, brown eyes, and possibly unshaven facial hair.
On March 30, 2023, a land search of the shoreline of local islands was conducted. A male resident of Akwesasne was found inside a cabin on St. Regis Island, Akwesasne, Qc. This male was spoken to and has been identified by police. Police will not release his identity to the public as he has not been charged with any offence.
From March 30, 2023, to April 5, 2023, AMPS and local law enforcement agencies conducted a thorough water search of the Snye Channel and local waterways covering approximately 8 kilometres of waterway and shoreline.
A vessel matching the description as being operated by Casey Oakes was located and seized by police for further processing. Clothing articles identified as belonging to Casey Oakes were also located. Details relating to these articles of clothing will not be released at this time.
A secondary ground and water search conducted on April 4-5, 2023, yielded negative results in locating any evidence or information about Casey’s possible whereabouts. Thunder and lightning delayed yesterday’s search temporarily, but resumed in the evening.
The AMPS would like to thank our law enforcement partners and the HAVFD, who offered support and resources during the search.
040623-AMPS-Release-Missing-Person-Update-for-April-6-2023