Canadian man found not guilty of killing B.C. woman in Mexico

A Canadian man who was accused of murdering a woman from Dawson Creek, B.C., while they were both in Mexico has been acquitted by a court in that country.

Mexican police discovered 23-year-old Kiara Agnew dead in a resort's laundry room in Playa del Carmen, south of Cancun, on March 3, 2023. There were indications of possible violence.

Agnew had traveled to the Riviera Maya area with her boyfriend to celebrate a birthday. Both the victim’s and the accused’s families have confirmed the acquittal, but neither Mexican police nor Canadian authorities have released the name of the man who has been cleared of charges.

"We sit here today lost, disappointed, and fearful that justice hasn't been served," Kiara’s mother, Michele Agnew, told CBC News. "It's been devastating. My whole world has stopped."

Kiara’s sister expressed that the family still has numerous questions about the handling of the case.

"We feel as though we have lost Kiara all over again," Tiana Agnew said.

"This grieving process has been absolutely horrible. The lack of answers has made it even worse. I'm going to try to hold on to how she was in life, but I won't be able to forget how she was left in death."

The acquitted man's mother told CBC that her son was returning to Canada from Mexico on Thursday, accompanied by his father and sister. She described her feelings as "elated. Absolutely elated."

CBC News reached out to Global Affairs Canada to confirm the acquittal. In response, Global Affairs stated, "Global Affairs Canada is aware of a Canadian who was found not guilty of murder in Mexico. Due to privacy considerations, no further information can be disclosed."

CBC also attempted to contact the prosecutor handling the case in Mexico but did not receive an immediate reply.