It has been over two years since Kiara Agnew was killed while on vacation at a resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and her killer—or killers—remain unidentified.
Her family continues to demand transparency in the investigation while raising awareness about domestic abuse. Peaceful protests have been organized across Canada this weekend to help bring peace to Kiara’s family, and advocate for better oversight for travellers.
“I just remember sitting on my phone, my eyes filled with tears, and my heart dropped along with so many others that day,” said Shelby Painter, a family friend, as she recalled the moment she learned of Kiara’s death. “I can’t get over how many people are affected by this.”
Painter, who is also one of the event organizers, will be among those gathering at the Alaska Highway sign at noon on March 22nd. Similar rallies are planned this week in Fort St. John, Vancouver, Calgary, and Fredericton, Nova Scotia.
Kiara, described by Painter as “the most smart, beautiful, kind, loving person,” was just 23 years old when she was killed. Her boyfriend, identified in court filings as Ryan N., was acquitted of any wrongdoing by Mexican courts, leaving the family without answers.
“It hasn’t been okay since… the family hasn’t gotten any answers,” said Painter. “They’re suffering to this day.”
A Change.org petition, aiming to gather 2,500 signatures, calls for justice and accountability in Kiara’s case, with the hope of bringing closure to her grieving family.
Protest participants are encouraged to support the family by purchasing ‘#JusticeForKiara’ sweaters, bringing signs, or wearing pink or yellow—colours that friends say remind them of Kiara.