Gary, IN — A heartbreaking disappearance occurred on July 25, 2015, when Diamond Bynum, a 21-year-old woman with Prader-Willi syndrome, and her 2-year-old nephew, King Walker, vanished from their home on Matthews Street in Gary. Despite extensive search efforts, the case remains unsolved, and the family is left with more questions than answers.
Who Was Diamond Bynum?
Diamond Bynum was a sweet and loving young woman, described as childlike in spirit due to her mental capacity being that of a 5- to 7-year-old. She was full of joy and had a deep affection for her family, often helping her mother, painting her nails, and playing with her energetic nephew, King. The two were inseparable, and King followed Diamond everywhere she went.
The Disappearance
On the morning of July 25, 2015, Diamond and King were at home with Diamond’s stepmother. Around 9:00 a.m., her stepmother lay down for a nap. When she woke up, both Diamond and King were gone. The search for the pair began almost immediately, with volunteers canvassing neighborhoods, posting flyers, and using dogs to track their scents.
However, as hours turned into days, there were no solid leads.
The Possible Breakthrough
Six days later, on July 31, a potential breakthrough came when witnesses claimed to have seen Diamond and King at a bus stop in Hammond, Indiana. They described Diamond as disoriented and asking for food, with one witness even giving her $50. However, this sighting was never communicated to Diamond’s father, Eugene, by the police. He found out about the sighting on the news.
“If they had taken this seriously from our first call,” Eugene said in frustration, “Diamond and King would be home and safe.”
Investigative Failures and Frustrations
Despite the possible lead, the family’s frustrations continued to grow as they faced numerous obstacles. Calls to the FBI went unanswered, and surveillance footage from a nearby gas station—where dogs tracked their scent—was allegedly deleted. A scent trail also led to a vacant home nearby, but no further investigation was conducted. Weeks passed, and evidence seemed to disappear, leaving the case cold.
The Family’s Pain
Nearly nine years later, Diamond and King’s family is still left without answers. “So many failed chances,” said LaShann Walker, Diamond’s mother. “They failed Diamond and King very badly. And I just don’t know where to pick up the pieces.”
Physical Descriptions
- Diamond Bynum
- Age: 21 (at time of disappearance)
- Height: 4’10”
- Weight: 210–238 lbs
- Hair: Black
- Eyes: Brown
- King Walker
- Age: 2 (at time of disappearance)
- Height: 3’0”
- Weight: 34 lbs
- Hair: Black
- Eyes: Brown
How to Help
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Diamond Bynum and King Walker, please contact the Gary Police Department at 219-881-1260.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
