FOUL PLAY NOT SUSPECTED IN RECOVERY OF MISSING AKWESASNE MAN

(March 1, 2018) The Akwesasne Mohawk Police recovered the body of Donald “Do” Johnson, a resident of Akwesasne, on February 28, 2018. Johnson was missing since the weekend of February10, 2018. Police confirmed the 31-year-olds body was found on top of the ice surface of the frozen marsh in the District of Tsi Snaihne (Snye). AMPS utilized a helicopter in a joint search effort with the Ontario Provincial Police.

According to the lead AMPS investigator Detective Sergeant Kariwate Mitchell, the search lasted approximately 30 minutes before the body was discovered.

“One of our investigators on board the aircraft reported that a body had been found in the marsh,” said Detective Sergeant Mitchell.

Investigators attended the location with the assistance of the Hogansburg Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department.

The area surrounding the body was secured as investigators examined the findings.

Detective Sergeant Mitchell said that foul play is not suspected.

“There were no indicators to lead us to that belief,” he said of the investigation, which was assisted by the Forensic Identification Unit of the Surete Du Quebec.

The Akwesasne Mohawk Police have requested a medical examination to assist in their investigation.

“This is standard practice to determine specifics,” he said. “We want to provide closure for the grieving family.”

Detective Sergeant Mitchell added, “The Akwesasne Mohawk Police send its condolences to the family who formed search parties for countless hours throughout the past 20 days.”

AMPS Chief of Police Shawn Dulude stated, “The loss of a loved one is always a tragedy under any circumstances. Thank you to all who assisted in this search and helped to bring much needed closure to the family.”

Detective Sergeant Mitchell said that he was very appreciative of the support received from surrounding agencies.

“I want to thank the O.P.P. and the S.Q. for their assistance,” he said. “I especially wish to thank the local Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department. It’s very important to recognize these volunteers. Their dedication and ability is unbelievable.”