A photo of Jordan Ballantyne is raised during the Justice for Jordan march on July 13, 2022. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Craddock

JUSTICE FOR JORDAN

‘I pray for you every night’: Mother of murdered man continues to push for justice four years later

Jul 14, 2022 | 4:00 PM

Four years after he was murdered, the family of Jordan Ballantyne once again marched in Prince Albert calling for justice in his unsolved case.

On July 13, 2018, police and paramedics were called to a yard near the intersection of Sixth Avenue and 20th Street East.

Jordan Ballantyne was discovered dead at the scene. Investigators categorized the death as suspicious soon after, and an autopsy conducted three days later determined Ballantyne was murdered.

Wednesday marked exactly four years since his murder and family once again gathered at Kinsmen Park, carrying signs with the slogan “Justice For Jordan”.

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From there, the group marched east on 22nd Street East, chanting “Justice for Jordan” while carrying his picture at the front. From there, they moved their way to an alley near the intersection of Sixth Avenue and 20th Street East, the exact spot where Jordan died.

Jordan’s mother, Frances Merasty led the family through a prayer asking God for justice and for those who carried out the crime to turn themselves in.

Frances Merasty leads family in a prayer following a march calling for justice for her son. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

Merasty said her heart aches every day knowing her son’s killer is still out there. The pain of realizing her son won’t be coming through the door is still present four years later.

Following the walk Merasty spoke about her push for justice hoping someone with answers will speak.

“A lot of people probably know but they don’t want to say anything. They probably know the person that killed my son. And I wish they’d tell us something or this person would turn himself in.”

While Merasty is calling for justice, she had this message for the person responsible for Jordan’s death.

“I’d like to forgive you for what you did to my son. I pray for you every night. I forgive you but turn yourself in.”

She added she can’t sleep at night because she is constantly thinking about her son.

“Why would somebody do that to him? Because my son was a very caring, loving person.”

In years past, Prince Albert police took part in the march and escorted the family as they walked. Unfortunately, police were not able to attend this year but have said the investigation is ongoing and asking anyone with information to contact them.

A poster for the Justice for Jordan march. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock