Case History
The victim was located at the Canadian Pacific Railway crossing at 13th Avenue and Courtney Street, in Regina, Saskatchewan on July 28, 1995.

Police interviewed two CP rail employees who had just witnessed the young man come from the ditch on the south side of the tracks, when the engineer blew the horn, the man stepped back, clear of the tracks, he seemed to change his mind, then position himself in the path of an eastbound, four-locomotive train hauling 104 box cars. The crew was unable to stop the train, which was traveling approximately 65-70 kilometers per hour as it approached the crossing. The railway traffic control arm was down and the red warning lights were functioning. The victim was killed instantly by the impact.

He carried no personal identification and a search of a knapsack he'd had in his possession, revealed some clothing and personal items, but virtually nothing to help investigators determine his identity. In his pocket, there was a silver brooch, shaped like a rose, sometimes referred to as “The Christmas Rose”.

One of the best leads in this investigation was contact from a then-35 year-old man who believed he had been in the company of the unknown male for a few days. He described the two traveling together, hitchhiking on July 22nd from Strathmore, Alberta to Swift Current and then to Regina, arriving in the Queen City on July 24, 1995.

Mr. Randy Wakelin has agreed to allow the Regina Police Service to use his name. In a lengthy interview, Wakelin gave police insights into the habits, moods and mannerisms of “John Doe” and recalled bits of conversation between them. They learned that his manners were impeccable, his nails appeared manicured, he wore neatly cut hair, a close shave, was well dressed and well groomed.
And penchant, a strong inclination, for eating with a napkin across his knees probably put him in a social stratum above that of a drifter. He didn't know street slang, and barely knew how to thumb a ride. He enjoyed Stephen King novels and liked discussing politics. He constantly wrote in a diary, but the book was never found. He used a silver fountain pen; very unusual for a man of his age.

They believe he had recently broken up with a woman named Kathy and was probably on his way back east toward where he'd come from. He called himself "David" but Wakelin believes that was not his true name. In spite of Wakelin’s recollections, the follow-ups produced no new leads into John Doe’s true identity. Police believe he may have been from the Maritimes or New England.

John Doe is buried in the Southeast portion of Regina’s Riverside Cemetery. A rectangular granite headstone marks the grave, the gift of a woman now living in Turner Valley, Alberta.

Shirts, Rose and Grave of Victim

Investigators
If you have any information about this case please contact:
Regina Police Service Cold Case Unit
306-777-8649
OR
Crime Stoppers
306-545-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-222-8477

You may remain anonymous when submitting information.

Source Information:
Regina Police Service
The Brandon Sun - 12/9/05
CBC CA