Authorities investigating the disappearance of an Akwesasne man whose boat was found near the bodies of eight migrants pulled from the St. Lawrence River last week have now confirmed that he is connected to the case.
In a statement, Mohawk police in Akwesasne said Tuesday that Casey Oakes is linked to the discovery in the river, Thursday and Friday, of the eight victims, without providing further details.
Mr. Oakes, 30, is still missing and the police continued their search on Tuesday in this territory, in Montérégie.
The police have already indicated that the eight victims belong to two families, one of Romanian origin and the other from India.
Authorities believe the eight individuals attempted to enter the United States illegally from Canada via Akwesasne Mohawk Territory, which straddles the borders of Quebec, Ontario and New York State.
Casey Oakes was last seen on Wednesday evening at the helm of a boat that was found near the bodies of the migrants. Police also said clothes belonging to Mr. Oakes were found.
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