UPDATE: Human remains found by hunter near Swanson, Sask. identified as missing man
SASKATOON – One of two missing men with gang ties has been located. In the early morning hours on Tuesday, the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) issued an update on the case saying that Neilson Kakum, 21, had been located while Barry Heimbecker, 32, is still somewhere out there.
The last time the two were seen together was on March 20 at approximately seven in the morning at a home in the Fairhaven neighbourhood. An hour-and-a-half later, one of their girlfriend’s received a call saying they were walking in a field heading north towards Highway 7 near Vanscoy in the hopes of hitching a ride.
“You get the noise of the highway but that’s about it,” said Robin Odnokon, mayor of Vanscoy.
Like many small towns in Saskatchewan, not much happens in Vanscoy, according to the people that live here. Not anything usual, anyway.
“Crime rate in this area would be very low, you may have a couple of cars broken into over the period of the time I’ve been here but generally it’s a nice town,” added John Arnold.
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Now, both the town and area continue to be the subject of a search for Heimbecker. A missing persons report issued over the weekend by police for both men was partially motivated with public safety in mind since both have gang ties.
“What can come with gang activity is usually weapons and violence and usually drugs so we wanted the public to be aware of that and to call police if they did see these two men,” said Kelsie Fraser with SPS.
“It’s just a little bit surreal because it doesn’t really happen here,” said Odnokon.
However, on Monday night that search was narrowed to just one missing man. Police say Kakum walked into his home in the 500-block of Avenue M South suffering from minor injuries related to exposure.
“He was then transported to hospital where he is receiving treatment,” said Fraser
Police have not ruled out foul play as part of this investigation.
“Wouldn’t be much violence or stuff happening here but it is a bit worrying if foul play is suspected, it’s definitely worrying you know,” said Arnold.
At the time of their disappearance, the men were believed to be in a late model, four-door silver Chrysler 300. According to police, that vehicle was located approximately 18 kilometres south of Delisle which is why the SPS Major Crime Unit along with the Missing Person Task Force are asking farmers in that area and Swanson to check their land and buildings for anything suspicious.
“I think that’s what is making everyone a little concerned too is that we don’t know a lot of information about the situation,” said Odnokon.
Kakum, the one man who could shed some light on what happened or the whereabouts of Heimbecker, isn’t cooperating with police.
Anyone with information regarding this incident or who spots Heimbecker is asked to contact the police at 306-975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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