Winnipeg mom fears missing son crossed paths with accused serial killer

The mom of a Winnipeg man is worried her missing son may have crossed paths with accused killer John Ostamas.

Family of Chris Guimond is searching the city for the 48-year-old man, who was last seen April 7 at a bus stop in the Pembina Avenue and Bishop Grandin area. Police released new photos of Guimond April 29.

• Christopher Guimond's family 'hoping and praying' he'll be found safe

His mother, Dorothy Starr, said friends and family are looking for her son, but knowing where to start has posed a challenge.

"There's going to be a lot of checking," said Starr.

Guimond had been working as a cleaning person and fishing guide. He had overcome a solvent addiction and was living with his mother when he went missing.

He would regularly check in with his mom when he went out, but that didn't happen earlier in April.

"He has always phoned home," said Starr. "That's how I knew something was wrong, there was no phone call."

Starr said she's spent the last month wondering where her son is.

"It's been rough," said Starr. "I'm going to break down."

Family searches riverbanks near The Forks

Starr and her niece Dorothy Swampy searched an area along the river near The Forks Friday.

They're hoping to find Guimond alive, but they're also concerned he, like Miles Monias, Stoney Bushie and Donald Collins — all of whom are thought to have been killed by 39-year-old Ostamas — may have crossed paths with the accused serial killer.

• Families honour victims of alleged serial killer John Ostamas

• ​Winnipeg homicide victims ID'd as Donald Collins, Stoney Stanley Bushie

"It scared me because it seems like he just fit in there for some reason," Swampy, Guimond's cousin, said.

The victims were all middle-aged men with links to the street.

"I just hope he didn't cross his path," Starr said, referring to Ostamas.

Police haven't confirmed or denied whether they are investigating if Guimond's disappearance is connected to the three deaths, saying only that they are following all possible leads.

Guimond's family has also searched the area he was last seen, asking local businesses if they recognize him. Starr is hoping there is surveillance footage of Guimond on one of the businesses' cameras.

Starr and Swampy are urging Winnipeggers to keep an eye out for Guimond.

"Chris, please come home, phone, anything," said Starr.

The family is continuing their search efforts Saturday through Monday and is inviting the public to take part.