Man acquitted of killing girlfriend in Mexico releases first public statement amid verdict review

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The man who was acquitted of femicide after his 23-year-old girlfriend died in Mexico has released his first public statement. 

Ryan Friesen was previously charged with the killing of Kiara Agnew, a Dawson Creek resident who was found unresponsive at her hotel in Mexico in 2023. 

However, he was acquitted of his charges in a Mexican court in 2024.  

W5, the investigative unit of CTV, had reportedly made multiple requests to Friesen for his version of the events. 

Now, in a statement to W5 released through Friesen’s Canadian lawyer, he said: “The past two years have been a tremendously challenging and emotional time and I continue to feel grief and deep sadness for all of us that lost Kiara, including her family.” 

Friesen also said in his statement: “My desire for justice is unwavering and I hope that those truly responsible are identified and held fully accountable for their actions.

“Legal proceedings against me have impeded the investigation to find the actual perpetrators.” 

With his statement, Friesen’s lawyer reportedly provided W5 a copy of a report that showed his DNA was not found under Agnew’s nail – an accusation repeatedly cited in public statements about the case.

W5 has reportedly analyzed the DNA report and biologists at the Wyndham Forensic Group in Guelph, Ontario have allegedly confirmed Friesen’s DNA was not under Agnew’s nail. 

In his statement, Friesen claimed two unknown males and one unknown female were involved in Kiara’s killing. 

He said: “There was also credible evidence presented that her injuries could not have been caused by a single person.” 

W5 reported Agnew’s mom Michele and aunt Kaitlyn have accepted this version of events and now believe Friesen to be innocent. 

Friesen thanked Agnew’s mother and aunt “who have followed the case closely and believe in my innocence.” 

However, Friesen’s not-guilty verdict is now reportedly under active review, according to W5.

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

A petition has also been initiated by Tanya Agnew requesting the House of Commons pass ‘Kiara’s Law’ and give Canadian jurisdiction in cases involving harm or death of a Canadian by another Canadian outside of Canada. It has received more than 1,000 signatures. 

To sign the petition, click here.

The documentary based on the W5’s 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.