Verdict reportedly under review for man acquitted of Dawson Creek woman’s death

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The acquittal for a man previously charged with a Dawson Creek woman’s death in Mexico is reportedly under formal review. 

According to W5, the investigative unit of CTV, the acquittal of Ryan Friesen is now under active review in a higher court in Mexico. 

He was acquitted of the killing of 23-year-old Kiara Agnew, a Dawson Creek resident who was found unresponsive in her hotel near Playa del Carmen in Mexico in 2023. 

Aroshi Lugo Arana – the deputy prosecutor for the state of Quintana Roo, which includes Playa del Carmen – reportedly told W5 the verdict is now under formal review and she expects the acquittal to be revoked. 

 “We believe and we are confident that the second instance [of] judicial authority will issue a favourable ruling,” she reportedly told a Mexican weekly media briefing.“One that overturns the acquittal and allows us to obtain a conviction, to achieve justice for this deeply deplorable act against the victim, Kiara.”

According to CTV, under Mexican law, a not-guilty verdict cannot be re-tried but the law allows for a judge’s reasoning to be appealed through a higher-courts review. This magistrate has the authority to revoke, amend or upload the verdict, it said. 

Several protests were held for Agnew in Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Vancouver and Calgary last year, calling for a ‘fair trial.’ 

This comes after a recent petition was initiated by Tanya Agnew asking for a new ‘Kiara’s Law’ inspired by the case. It has received more than 1,000 signatures as of January 21st. 

To sign the petition, click here.

The documentary based on the investigation of Agnew’s case, titled ‘If I’m Ever Found Dead…’, will be aired on Saturday, January 24th at 7 p.m. on CTV.