The recent case involving Ryan Friesen and the death of his girlfriend, Kiara Agnew, has gained renewed attention. Friesen was acquitted of femicide charges after Agnew, a 23-year-old from Dawson Creek, was found unresponsive in a hotel in Mexico in 2023.
Friesen’s Public Statement Post-Acquittal
In his first public statement since the acquittal in 2024, Friesen expressed profound grief for Agnew’s loss. He referred to the past two years as emotionally challenging and reiterated his commitment to uncovering the truth behind her death.
Friesen’s statement, released through his Canadian attorney to CTV’s investigative unit W5, included the following key points:
- Friesen described his desire for justice as “unwavering” and emphasized the need to identify those truly responsible for Agnew’s death.
- He claimed that legal proceedings against him impeded the investigation into Agnew’s actual killers.
DNA Evidence and Case Developments
Support for Friesen’s claims emerged from a report detailing DNA findings. His lawyer provided a document indicating that Friesen’s DNA was not found under Agnew’s nails, countering accusations made during the case.
Biologists from the Wyndham Forensic Group in Guelph, Ontario, confirmed these findings, suggesting two men and one woman were involved in Agnew’s death. Friesen stated, “There was also credible evidence presented that her injuries could not have been caused by a single person.”
Family Support and Ongoing Investigations
Friesen received support from Agnew’s family, with her mother Michele and aunt Kaitlyn now believing in his innocence. They have closely followed the case and have publicly accepted his version of events.
Despite his acquittal, the ruling is currently under review, raising questions about the investigation’s integrity and the pursuit of justice.
Commemorations and Legislative Efforts
The community has been active in seeking justice for Agnew. Protests occurred in cities such as Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Fredericton, Vancouver, and Calgary, demanding a fair trial for Agnew.
A petition initiated by Tanya Agnew calls for the creation of ‘Kiara’s Law’. This law aims to establish Canadian jurisdiction in cases of harm or death involving Canadians overseas. The petition has gained over 1,000 signatures, reflecting significant public support.
Upcoming Documentary
To further raise awareness around the case, a documentary titled ‘If I’m Ever Found Dead…’ will air on CTV. Scheduled for January 24th at 7 p.m., it presents an in-depth investigation of the events surrounding Kiara Agnew’s death and its aftermath.
This unfolding tragedy highlights ongoing issues of safety and justice for Canadians abroad, emphasizing the need for systemic changes in legal jurisdiction for cases impacting Canadians outside national borders.
