Saskatoon mother accused of faking death says she 'was left with no choice'
A Saskatoon mother who stands accused of faking her own death, as well as her son's, and illegally entering the U.S. is defending her actions.
Dawn Walker, 48, and her seven-year-old son were located by U.S. authorities in Oregon on Aug. 5.
In a statement provided to CTV News by attorney Eleanore Sunchild, Walker said that she took her son into the U.S. because she feared for her safety.
"I left Saskatoon because I feared for my safety and that of my son," Walker said.
"I love my son so very much. He is my only child, and I would do absolutely anything for him."
Walker is currently being detained in a jail in the U.S. where she is facing two charges of identity theft in connection to an alleged illegal border crossing.
"I ask for support to return to Canada to my Treaty lands where I will continue in my pursuit for justice for myself and my son," Walker said.
"More will come out as I further tell my story upon my return."
On July 24, Walker and her son were reported missing. Her truck and belongings were found the next morning at Chief Whitecap Park in Saskatoon.
Following the discovery, police and volunteers spent days combing the park and the adjacent South Saskatchewan River for any sign of Walker or her son.
Through financial records, Canadian and U.S. investigators located Walker and her son at an Airbnb in Oregon City.
In addition to the U.S. charges, Saskatoon Police Service has charged Walker with abduction in contravention of a custody order and public mischief.
Walker said she was "left with no choice" and apologized to anyone she hurt.
During a news conference on Monday, SPS Deputy Chief Randy Huisman confirmed Walker had previously made domestic violence allegations which were "thoroughly investigated."
"No charges resulted as a result of those investigations," Huisman said.
Walker's son was reunited with his biological father over the weekend, according to U.S authorities.
When asked about Walker's statement, he declined an interview request saying he is currently focused on his son and family.
According to U.S court documents, Walker has been "engaged in a lengthy custody dispute" with her son's biological father.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
He didn't trust police but sought their help anyway. Two days later, he was dead
Jameek Lowery was among more than 330 Black people who died after police stopped them with tactics that aren’t supposed to be deadly, like physical restraint and use of stun guns, The Associated Press found.
Fluid in eye cells can 'boil' if you watch the eclipse without protection: expert
Millions of people in parts of Eastern and Atlantic Canada will be able to see the rare solar eclipse happening on April 8. But they should only look up if they have proper eye protection, experts say.
Ontario urges mpox testing amid spike in cases
Ontario health officials are urging public health units to test for mpox, the viral disease formerly known as monkeypox, amid a spike of confirmed cases in the province.
More unauthorized products for skin, sexual enhancement, recalled: Here are the recalls of this week
Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled various items this week, including torches, beef biltong and unauthorized products related to skin care and sexual enhancement.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
Do these exercises for core strength if you can't stomach doing planks
Planks are one of the most effective exercises for strengthening your midsection, as they target all of your major core muscles: the transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, external obliques and internal obliques. Yet despite the popularity of various 10-minute plank challenges, planking is actually one of the most dreaded core exercises, according to many fitness experts.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
'Don't expect any deals:' Expert says stores may not offer steep discounts on post-Easter chocolate
Those looking to snap up cheap treats at their local grocery store next week following the Easter long weekend could be in for a bit of a surprise as the rising cost of cocoa continues to drive up the price of chocolate, one expert says.