Vincent and Walker, 48, were reported missing in Saskatoon on July 24. For days, emergency crews and volunteers combed areas near the city where the pair may have been, while others prayed for their well-being and safe return. The mother and son were found “safe and well” in Oregon City, Ore. Friday morning, according to Saskatoon police. “When we found out they were both safe, there was sobbing, laughing, dancing, shouting, throwing shoes and hugs… We feel like we can finally breathe,” the Jansen family wrote in a statement released Saturday morning. They said they were unable to do interviews at this time but wanted to provide an update. “Words can’t express the feelings we have right now. Vincent and Dawn are safe — that’s all we’ve wished for, hoped for and prayed for during the last two weeks of hell.” The Jansen family said it was a “special kind of torture” to comb the area near the South Saskatchewan River during the search. As we walked, sweeping the verdant Meewasin path and peering into the water, we were forced to contemplate the unthinkable. Was that soiled pair of shoes dumped at Vinnie’s Bank? Was that a reflection on the surface of the water or on our little boy’s body? – Jansen family statement “As we walked, sweeping the verdant Meewasin path and peering into the water, we were forced to think the unthinkable. Was that soiled pair of shoes washed up on Vinnie’s bank? Was it a reflection on the surface of the water or on our little boy’s body?” They said they hoped to find Walker and her son but, at the same time, did not want to find them, fearing the worst. “The anguish of not knowing if a loved one is safe is something we would never wish on anyone. Our hearts go out to all the families out there who are still searching for missing loved ones,” they wrote. In the statement, the family acknowledged the many individuals, organizations and law enforcement agencies that contributed to the extensive search for Walker and her son. “We are whole again and will now take some time to enjoy the company of our son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin. Please give your loved ones a very big hug (or two) tonight.”
The investigation continues
The circumstances surrounding the couple’s disappearance remain mysterious. Walker, a member of the Okanese First Nation, was first reported missing to police after her friends and family had not heard from her – a behavior described as arbitrary. He was last seen on July 22 at a business in the 300 block of Owen Manor in Saskatoon. On July 25, police found Walker’s truck and other personal belongings in Chief Whitecap Park, just south of Saskatoon near the South Saskatchewan River. Police then learned that someone in the area had found Walker’s bag a few days earlier. Volunteers, police and several community organizations conducted an elaborate and extensive search for Walker and Jansen to no avail. Family and supporters of Dawn Walker and her son held a walk last week praying for their return. (CBC News) Police say the two were located through cooperation with the United States Department of Homeland Security and the assistance of several other law enforcement agencies in Canada and the U.S. They say U.S. authorities are looking into “any possible action as a result of illegal entry into the U.S.” They said pending any action by US authorities, Walker will be returned to Saskatoon to meet with investigators. “As this investigation will continue to unfold rapidly, a media availability is scheduled to be held on Monday,” the Saskatoon Police Service said in a news release Saturday.
