Mother and Infant Found Deceased in Canal After Over a Month Missing

A tragic discovery has been made following the disappearance of a mother and her 8-month-old daughter over a month ago. Authorities have confirmed that the bodies of Whisper Owen, 36, and her daughter Sandra McCarty were recovered from a submerged vehicle in a canal.

Responding to reports, rescue teams located a sunken 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer in San Joaquin County on Sunday. Inside the vehicle, which was identified as Owen’s car, were the remains of the mother and her child. The vehicle had damage to the driver’s side headlight, indicating a possible collision or incident prior to sinking.

Last seen on July 15, Owen and Sandra were reportedly headed from Atwater, near Fresno, after a medical appointment. Their vehicle was identified near the canal area through a ping on Owen’s phone, which her relatives confirmed was the last known location. The car was found lodged under a bridge, with the bodies inside.

The families only became aware of the disappearance days later, as Owen often visited family in Fresno, making her absence initially unremarkable. Owen’s partner and other children were at home, waiting for her return that night. The authorities are now working to confirm the identities through DNA testing.

Search efforts, including those by volunteer groups like Adventures With Purpose and diver Juan Heredia, led to the grim discovery in rural west Oakdale. Relatives mourn the loss, with Owen’s brother expressing hope for acceptance and healing amidst the tragedy.

The investigation continues as authorities analyze how the vehicle ended up in the canal and what circumstances led to this heartbreaking conclusion.