Jessica Patrick Balczer
The tragic death of 18-year-old Jessica Patrick (also known as Jessica Balczer) in Smithers, British Columbia, remains an unsolved case that continues to resonate deeply within her community and beyond. Jessica, a young mother and member of the Lake Babine Nation, disappeared in late August 2018. Her body was discovered two weeks later near Hudson Bay Mountain, and her death is considered a homicide.
A Promising Life Cut Short
Jessica was last seen in the early hours of August 31, 2018, leaving the Mountain View Motel in Smithers. She had dropped off her one-year-old daughter with the child’s grandmother earlier that day but never returned. Her family reported her missing on September 3. On September 15, Jessica’s body was found by family members near a pullout on Hudson Bay Mountain Road, approximately 15 meters down a steep embankment. The RCMP confirmed her identity on September 21, and her death is being treated as a homicide.
Frustration with the Investigation
Jessica’s family has voiced frustration with the pace and transparency of the investigation. Her cousin, Jacquie Bowes, expressed concerns about inconsistent communication from the RCMP’s Major Crime Unit, stating that updates were sporadic and lacked substantive information. Bowes emphasized the family’s determination to prevent Jessica’s case from becoming another unsolved file.The family also criticized the initial response from local authorities, feeling that the seriousness of Jessica’s disappearance was not adequately recognized. They believe that more proactive measures could have been taken in the early stages of the investigation.
Community Support and Calls for Justice
Jessica’s death has galvanized the community of Smithers and surrounding areas. On September 16, 2018, nearly 300 people gathered in Bovill Square for a vigil in her memory. Traditional songs and prayers were shared among Indigenous and non-Indigenous attendees, highlighting a collective call for justice.As Jessica’s body was transported back to Smithers from Prince George, hundreds of people lined Highway 16—known as the Highway of Tears—to pay their respects. Many wore red, held signs, and chanted “Justice for Jessica,” demonstrating solidarity and raising awareness about the broader issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women.
A Broader Crisis
Jessica Patrick’s case is one among many involving Indigenous women who have gone missing or been murdered along the Highway of Tears, a stretch of Highway 16 notorious for such tragedies. Her death underscores systemic issues, including inadequate support for Indigenous youth in care and the need for more effective investigative protocols. Community members and advocates continue to push for tangible actions beyond inquiries and reports. They call for dedicated investigative teams and immediate response protocols when Indigenous women are reported missing, aiming to prevent future tragedies and ensure justice for victims like Jessica.
Ongoing Efforts
In the years since Jessica’s death, her family and community have organized memorial marches and events to honor her memory and maintain public attention on her case. These gatherings serve both as a tribute to Jessica and as a platform to advocate for systemic change in how missing and murdered Indigenous women cases are handled.
Jessica Patrick’s story is a poignant reminder of the urgent need for justice and reform. Her family’s unwavering commitment ensures that her voice continues to resonate, calling for accountability and change.
If you have information on Jessica’s case, please contact any of the following:
Smithers RCMP Detachment: 1-250-847-3233
Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS(8477)
Online at: https://www.canadiancrimestoppers.org/submit-a-tip/submit-a-tip
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