Saskatoon mother who disappeared with son faces charges in U.S., Canada
A Saskatoon mother will face charges in the U.S. and Canada after she allegedly transported her son illegally across the border and triggered a missing persons investigation.
Dawn Walker, 48, is scheduled to appear in U.S. court Monday, Saskatoon Police Service Deputy (SPS) Chief Randy Huisman told reporters during a news conference.
He said Walker faces two charges in the U.S. related to "false identity documents" she allegedly used.
Huisman also said SPS is charging Walker with abduction in contravention of a custody order and public mischief. He said there may be further charges.
Walker and her son were reported missing on July 24. 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.
On Friday, police announced Walker and son had been safely located in Oregon City, Oregon.
During the news , Huisman said while the missing person investigation is winding down, a criminal investigation is in its early stages.
"Our investigators have been advised by the US authorities that they are confident that Dawn Walker will be further detained in the United States for the short term," Huisman said.
According to the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, Walker is being held in a detention facility located in Portland, Oregon.
Huisman said Walker entered the U.S. at a southern Alberta border crossing. He said police are "looking into the possibility" that Walker may have received assistance from one or more people.
"All I can tell you is that we follow the evidence trail and from the moment she was reported missing we started with a missing persons search and then evidence led us to where we are today," Huisman said.
"Evidence speaks for itself."
He said that a legal guardian arrived in Oregon on Friday and returned home with Walker's son on Sunday.
Walker was found by U.S. authorities in a rental unit, according to Huisman.
An image of Dawn Walker's truck parked at Chief Whitecap Park was shared by police. (Saskatoon Police Service)
The search for Walker in Saskatoon largely focused on the South Saskatchewan River, which runs through the park where her truck and belongings were found.
In addition to an extensive ground search, police and volunteers looked for signs of Walker and her son by air and sonar-equipped boat.
Dive teams also assisted in the search.
When asked about the cost of the search, Huisman said police don't yet have a tally.
"But I can tell you it will be significant," He said.
While responding to another question from a reporter, Huisman confirmed Walker had previously made domestic violence allegations which were "thoroughly investigated."
"No charges resulted as a result of those investigations," Huisman said.
The co-president of the Saskatoon Criminal Defence Lawyers Association said the criminal charges that Saskatoon police have laid are complex on their own.
“Adding a whole different country and a whole different slew of charges just increases the complexity of the case exponentially,” Lisa Watsonsaid.
Watson said the potential exists for Walker to remain in custody in the United States for an extended period of time.
“There is a treaty between the United States and Canada that deals with extradition, but a provision of that treaty allows the United States to conclude their proceedings before they will permit the person to return to Canada,” she said.
“While it's not mandatory, it's a possibility that the United States may want to deal entirely with their charges before Canada has an opportunity to address them here.”
--With files from Pat McKay
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.