Kawartha Lakes Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are seeking the public’s help in locating a 57-year-old man who has been missing for a year, with a not-for-profit organization offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to his whereabouts.
Police have been investigating the disappearance of Michael (Mike) James Walker since his family reported him missing on January 7, 2024. Walker was last seen at a party in Norland around midnight on November 6, 2023, and police say it is unusual for Walker to go so long without contacting his family.
Under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch and with assistance from the OPP Emergency Response Team and Canine Unit, Kawartha Lakes OPP have conducted multiple search efforts for Walker in the Norland/Minden area.
Walker is described as white, approximately 6’3″ (191 cm) and 325 lbs (147 kg), with short dark brown hair and blue eyes.
He has a scar on his right cheek, a tattoo of a lion covering his back, and a tattoo of Jesus on his left arm.
He is known to have suffered depression. At the time of his disappearance, he had an overall unkempt appearance and may have been wearing a dark blue hoodie and track pants.
Police have not ruled out foul play in Walker’s disappearance.
“There are grave concerns for his safety,” said Detective Inspector Matt Watson of the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP Crime Unit, who is case manager for Walker’s disappearance, at a media conference on Thursday (November 7).
Watson announced that “Please Bring Me Home”, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to solicit anonymous tips regarding cold case missing persons across Canada, is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to Walker’s whereabouts.
Anyone with any information in relation to this investigation or the whereabouts of Walker is asked to contact the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP at 1-888-310-1122. The reference number for this case is E240026874.
To submit an anonymous tip, contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
You can also submit an anonymous tip at pleasebringmehome.com/michael-mike-james-walker/.
