State Police Investigate a Death in Altona

On August 31, 2024, at approximately 12:42 p.m., New York State Police members responded to the Military Turnpike in the town of Altona for a body located in the northside ditch of the road. Troopers arrived on the scene and located a deceased male approximately 100 feet from a small bridge over a creek. The victim was identified as Dustin E. Oakes, age 34, of Hogansburg, NY.

On September 1, 2024, at approximately 8:00 a.m., an autopsy was performed at Glens Falls Hospital on Dustin E. Oakes by Forensic Pathologist Doctor Michael Sikirica. The autopsy determined the cause of death to be a hemorrhage due to a compound fracture of the left femur and laceration to the head due to or because of blunt force trauma. The manner of death is pending investigation, histology, and toxicology.

The investigation is ongoing, and State Police are asking anyone who might know information regarding this incident is asked to call State Police at 518-873-2776.

The State Police were assisted by local Fire and Rescue Departments. Genienkeh Community has cooperated with the ongoing State Police investigation.

At this time, there is no threat to the community.

This is a developing story.

A Message from Ganienkeh

Urging 'calm and restraint in this diffucult time'

September 3, 2024. In a statement released from the Ganienkeh Territory written in Kanien’ké:ha and in English, it read, “A Message from Ganienkeh. Greetings from the women, men and children of Ganienkeh. At approximately 1:00pm on Saturday, August 31st, the body of Dustin Oakes, of Akwesasne was found on a property adjacent to, but not belonging to; Ganienkeh Territory.

The people of Ganienkeh are deeply disturbed by this incident and offer condolences to the grieving family.

Ganienkeh has met with New York State Major Crimes investigators concerning this incident and the community is cooperating in the investigation, consistent with the parameters of the Two Row Wampum. The cause of death has yet to be determined and the investigation is ongoing. When the investigation is complete, it is the community’s understanding that the investigation’s findings will be shared publicly.

The community has been made aware of unfounded allegations concerning Ganienkeh involvement in Mr. Oakes death. Such rumors appear to have caused suspicion and animosity towards the people of Ganienkeh. The community is aware of talk of a violent reprisal against Ganienkeh, threatening the families who live within our community. The people of Ganienkeh urge calm and restraint in this difficult time, as we pursue truth, justice and peace.

Tho nikawén:nake, Passed by the Ganienkeh Council Fire

In a separate press release by the New York State Police, dated September 2, 2024, the statement read in part, “On September 1, 2024, at approximately 8:00 a.m., an autopsy was performed at Glens Falls Hospital on Dustin E. Oakes by Forensic Pathologist Doctor Michael Sikirica. The autopsy determined the cause of death to be a hemorrhage due to a compound fracture of the left femur and laceration to the head due to or because of blunt force trauma. The manner of death is pending investigation, histology, and toxicology.

The investigation is ongoing, and State Police are asking anyone who might know information regarding this incident is asked to call State Police at 518-873-2776.”

This is a developing story.