Walker helps on cold case

Prof. Ernie Walker poses with skull and facial reconstruction. Photos courtesy RCMP

Archaeology Professor Ernie Walker has helped Saskatoon RCMP major crimes unit revive an investigation into the death of an unidentified man found 23 years ago in the South Saskatchewan River near Rosthern.

The Mounties held a news conference Oct. 5 and unveiled a life-sized facial reconstruction model, asking the public for help in identifying the man.

Walker runs a forensic lab in Archaeology, has been named a special constable with the RCMP, and is often called in to help with forensic investigations into murders across Canada.

In this case, after the initial, unsuccessful 1982 investigation into the death, the man was buried in Saskatoon’s Woodland Cemetery. When found he had dentures, wore jeans and polyester pants and cowboy boots, but his race could not be determined.

Last year RCMP reopened the case, exhumed the body, and Walker investigated. He determined that the man was white, 40-50 years old, and 5’10”-6’ tall.

RCMP display the facial model by their forensic artist Sgt. Michel Fournier. Photos courtesy RCMP

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