A Wisconsin teenager who disappeared four years ago has been found safe in Virginia, with police alleging she was abducted by a man she met online and held captive. Joniah Walker, now 19, was discovered on May 23 at a residence in Blacksburg, Virginia, approximately 730 miles from her home.
Police stated that Owen Lars Anderson, 37, abducted Walker on June 23, 2022, after she met him at a Chicago movie theater. According to a criminal complaint, the two had initially connected on Facebook when Walker was 12 years old, maintaining contact for three years before Anderson convinced her to meet him in person.
Anderson is accused of arranging for an Uber to pick Walker up from her Milwaukee home and transport her to the theater. Authorities allege he then kidnapped her, discarding both her personal cell phone and a burner phone he had given her. Walker was reportedly held captive and subjected to sexual and physical abuse at his home in Virginia.
Charges Filed
Anderson faces charges in Wisconsin including kidnapping, child enticement, and abduction of a child. Court records in Virginia also show he has been charged with 55 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material in Montgomery County.
Blacksburg police responded to a 911 call reporting a domestic disturbance at Anderson's home, which led to the discovery. During the investigation, Walker disclosed that she had been reported missing and was being held against her will. She reportedly told investigators that Anderson lured her away with promises of a better life, exploiting her struggles and alleged abuse at home. He allegedly promised to care for her and refrain from any mistreatment.
Walker alleged that upon meeting, Anderson forced her to reset her iPhone and then disposed of both phones in a Chicago trash can. She stated that he then drove her to his Virginia home in a rental car.
Allegations of Abuse
The criminal complaint further alleges that Walker endured sexual, physical, and verbal abuse during her captivity. She claims Anderson made her perform sexual acts on camera and threatened to release the videos if she did not comply. He also allegedly prevented her from attending school.
Anderson was apprehended on May 27, reportedly armed with firearms, loaded magazines, knives, and pepper spray. A subsequent search of his home uncovered electronic devices, flash drives, and journals, among other potential evidence. He was also charged with abduction and immoral acts with a juvenile, strangulation, child abuse, and preventing a 911 call in Blacksburg.
The FBI is reportedly handling the digital evidence in the case. Anderson is currently in custody in Virginia awaiting extradition to Wisconsin to face the charges there. Federal charges are also a possibility, and officials indicated that the charges in Montgomery County might be incorporated into a federal case.