LINDA WALKER

Linda Walker with her daughter, Dru Sjodin

Linda Walker is the mother of Dru Sjodin who, at age 22, was kidnapped from a mall parking lot in North Dakota on November 22, 2003. Nearly five months later, Dru's body was discovered in a ravine just outside of Crookston, Minnesota. Her murderer, who had only recently been released after serving twenty-three years for attempted kidnapping and assault, has since been convicted and sentenced to death.

Linda Walker has since become a tireless advocate of women and children; speaking out against the violence that too frequently takes aim at them. Her journey has taken her throughout the country as she speaks to college students, law enforcement and the media to raise awareness and rally support for legislation. In 2004, Senator Byron Dorgan and Representative Earl Pomeroy sponsored Dru's Law, to create a National Sexual Offenders Database. Linda was relentless in her conviction to bring this very important legislation to the attention of the public and every Congressman. On July 27, 2006, her efforts were rewarded when she joined the families of other victims in the White House Rose Garden to witness President Bush signing into law, the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act; which included Dru's Law.

It is Linda's prayer that the work she does, in her daughter's memory, will result in the protection of the most vulnerable and make our communities safer for all; and that Dru may rest knowing that her murder was not in vain.

Dru's Voice