Bodies of Missing California Mother, Infant Found in San Joaquin Canal

Whisper Owen and her 8-month-old daughter, Sandra McCarty, who went missing in mid-July while traveling from Fresno to Elk Grove, were found deceased in a submerged SUV in a San Joaquin County canal, ending a month-long search. The discovery was aided significantly by Waterford resident Chris Waller, who collaborated with volunteer dive team Adventures With Purpose by providing surveillance footage, analyzing digital activity, and assisting in search efforts, which led to narrowing down the search area. Despite the relief of locating them, Owen's family expressed frustration over what they perceived as a lack of urgency from law enforcement during the initial investigation. Authorities confirmed the vehicle, a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer, was found under a bridge near Highway 120 and Victory Road, with cause of death still under investigation and no immediate indication of foul play. Police and sheriff's departments are continuing the investigation while providing support to the family. The case highlights both community involvement in search efforts and ongoing concerns about investigative responses in missing persons cases.