When Lashann Walker thinks about the last 10 years, the only way she can describe it is heartbreaking.
For 10 years, Walker and her other family members have searched for Diamond Bynum and King Walker — her daughter and nephew who went missing in Gary.
“I try to put it into words, and it’s hard,” Walker said. “It’s a pain that lies in my heart every second and every day. I wake up every morning with them on my mind, and I go to sleep with them on my mind.”
Eugene Bynum Jr. / Post-Tribune
Diamond Bynum has been missing since July 25, 2015, from her Gary home.
On July 25, 2015, then 21-year-old Diamond Bynum and then 2-year-old nephew King Walker went missing after they left their Gary home, according to Post-Tribune archives. The two likely went for a walk on that Saturday morning.
Bynum has Prader-Willi syndrome, which leads to slow mental development, so family members had to help care for her. At the time, she was also unfamiliar with the area.
“A lot can change in 10 years,” Walker said. “At the time, King could hardly talk. He was just a baby, saying some words, but not full sentences. … They were both just kids.”
Since the disappearance, Walker said she and other family members have searched for them, and there are still no leads on what happened.
“Someone out there knows what happened,” Walker said. “If you know anything, please come forward.”
A Gary Police Department officer was unable to speak about Bynum and King Walker’s case this week. Gary spokesperson Erika Blackwell sent a statement on behalf of the department, saying they recognize the disappearance with “deep respect and unwavering commitment.”
The department has worked with multiple law agencies, including the Indiana State Police and Northwest Indiana Major Crimes Task Force.
Jim Karczewski / Post-Tribune
In this file photo, Eugene Bynum, right, hands out flyers to a woman who asked that her name not be used while searching abandoned houses in between searching for his daughter, Diamond, and grandson, King Walker. The two have been missing since July 25, 2015.
“The case remains open and active,” the statement said. “Our investigators continue to pursue every lead, re-examine evidence, and work closely with local, state, and federal partners in the ongoing search for answers. We recognize the profound and lasting impact this tragedy has had on Diamond and King’s family. Their strength and resilience continue to inspire our commitment to uncovering the truth.”
Those with information can contact the Gary Police Department or submit an anonymous tip at 219-207-8477, according to the statement.
Walker expressed frustration with the Gary Police Department on this case and asked them to cooperate more with her family. As of Wednesday, she had not heard anything from police about Bynum and King Walker’s case.
“I know they have a lot of cases and a lot they’re dealing with, but I feel like Diamond and King have been swept under the rug,” Walker said. “It feels like they don’t matter anymore, and I don’t know what else to do to make them matter.”
In January, Bynum and King Walker were two people recognized at a Team NWI-Independent Search and Rescue’s awareness event. At the time, 82 people in Gary were missing, according to the Indiana Missing Person Bulletin.
In a January statement, Cannon said the information was outdated, and it’s critical for residents to have the most accurate information.
“We take every missing person case seriously and dedicate all necessary resources to locate the individuals and bring them back safely to their families,” the statement said. “It is our goal to work with the families of missing persons to protect their privacy and ensure the integrity of each case.”
Multiple families of missing people have done search parties to look for their loved ones. Walker said search parties have continued to look for her daughter and grandson, even if she’s unable to go along.
“They have people searching, but I have to work, so I’m never able to search,” Walker said. “I wish I could work on the case fully and have time to investigate, but I have to pay my bills.”
Although Walker might not be able to physically search for her daughter and nephew, she won’t give up until they’re found.
“All I can do is try to keep their name out there,” Walker said. “And that’s what I’m doing.”
mwilkins@chicagotribune.com
