AMPS Release Missing Person Update – No New Information

The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (AMPS) released a Missing Person Update on Sunday April 2, 2023. AMPS is continuing to seek the public's assistance in locating missing person Casey Oakes, age 30 of Akwesasne. Oakes has been missing since Thursday, March 30, 2023, when he was last seen boarding a boat on the east end of Kawehno:ke.

AMPS stated, "At this time police have no new information to share."

AMPS with assistance from the Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department and assisting police agencies are continuing to search for Oakes today. The search will continue until sunset and will resume tomorrow.

The following information has been previously provided by AMPS:

"Casey Oakes, age 30, was reported missing on Thursday, March 30, 2023. He was last seen Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at approximately 9:30 pm, boarding a small, light blue colored vessel departing from the East end of Cornwall Island. He was wearing a black vest, snow pants, black face mask and a black toque.

The local waterways are continuing to be searched. Police estimate that there are eight kilometers of waterway to search. Searchers include members from Akwesasne Mohawk Police marine unit, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Marine unit, Ontario Provincial Police air support, divers from the Sûreté du Quebec and the Hogansburg Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department.

During the search, police located and spoke to a local male inside a cabin on St. Regis Island, Akwesasne, QC. At this time, police cannot connect the male to be related to our investigation. A vessel matching the description as being operated by Casey Oakes was located near the location of eight deceased persons (see previous releases).. It was removed by police and placed in secure storage for further processing. Clothing articles have also been located that have been identified as belonging to Casey Oakes.

Police will be continuing the search for the remainder of the weekend and request that the public and the media stay away from the search and command post area."

On Friday, March 27, a 'condolence fire' was started at the Tsi Snaihne Recreation Center. Community members and first responders are invited to gather, eat, and provide support to each other during this difficult time.

Staff members from the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne' Mental Health Services, Traditional Medicine Program, and Land-Based Healing Program are available on-site to offer additional support and resources.

If you or a loved one have been struggling emotionally, please reach out to our Mental Health Services team at 613-575-2341 ext. 3115. Help is here for you.