Gleichen RCMP seek assistance in historical missing person case
By Gleichen RCMP
Aug. 28 marked the 10th anniversary of Desiree Oldwoman being reported as missing.
Desiree Oldwoman, 21, was last seen at approximately 8:20 p.m. the night of Aug. 27, 2011 at her home on the Siksika First Nation, which was reported to Gleichen RCMP the morning of Aug. 28, 2011.
Since that time, there have been several search efforts covering air, land and water in proximity to the area of where Desiree was last seen.
Police have received and investigated tips in the years since Desiree was reported missing; however, have yet to locate Desiree or determine the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
Desiree is autistic and non-verbal. It is believed she left her residence sometime during the night and wandered off. Due to proximity of her residence to Highway 901, she may have been walking on the highway that night or in the early morning of Aug. 28, 2011.
At the time of her disappearance Desiree was last seen wearing a brown sweater and black track pants with a red stripe and no shoes. She is Indigenous, 5’4” tall, 165 lbs with short brown hair and brown eyes. She did not wear glasses. Desiree does not speak but can write her name. Desiree is known to be drawn to fragrances such as perfume and air fresheners. She also has a love for plush animals.
Recently with the assistance of the Alberta RCMP Missing Persons unit, an “aged composite” image of Desiree has been developed of what she may look like today. She would now be 31 years old.
The Gleichen RCMP is appealing to the public for any new information on Desiree’s disappearance that will further their investigation.
“There is not a day that goes by that we do not think of Desiree and her return home. She is special, beautiful, wonderfully curious, and we miss her dearly. Family and friends continue to pray that she will be found and that justice will be achieved. We plea to the public that if you have any information about her disappearance, you must report it to the Gleichen RCMP immediately. We need your help to find her and bring her home. We must find her,” said a family member of Desiree Oldwoman.
“10 years is longer than any family should have to endure not knowing the fate of a loved one,” said Sergeant Scott Mercer of the Gleichen RCMP. “We are encouraging anyone who may have information, no matter how insignificant it may seem to be, to contact the RCMP as it may be the key piece that will lead us to bring Desiree home.”
Gleichen RCMP are asking the public’s assistance for any information in relation to this incident or identifying those responsible. Please contact Gleichen RCMP at 403-734-3923 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.