Frances Merasty with her son Clifford. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Searching for answers

‘I just need closure’: fifth annual Jordan Ballantyne walk held in Prince Albert

Jul 14, 2023 | 1:10 PM

It’s been five years since Frances Merasty’s son was murdered in Prince Albert and the grieving mother is no closer to getting answers.

On July 13, 2018, Jordan Ballantyne’s lifeless body was found in the backyard of a home near 20th St. E and Sixth Ave. Investigators categorized the death as suspicious and an autopsy conducted three days later determined Ballantyne was murdered.

Speaking with paNOW Thursday night, Merasty acknowledged one of the worst things is knowing there is someone out there who knows something.

“I pray for that person who murdered my son and I forgive him and I wish he would come out and do a closure for us,” she said.

The family’s annual walk was held Thursday and over a dozen people made their way from Kinsmen Park to the yard where Ballantyne’s body was found and said a prayer. Merasty who noted this year felt especially hard, added that the walks do help.

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“We gather all together and talk about him and think about him,” she said.

Participants in Thursday’s walk gathered afterward at Kinsmen Park for a meal. (Submitted/ Pauline Clarke)

To be a part of Thursday’s walk, Merasty drove over four hours from Pelican Narrows. She’s pleading for anyone with information to just come forward and report what they know to police.

“I just need closure,” she said.

Family members have previously disclosed Ballantyne got along with everybody, and even though he lived on the streets, had a lot of family. He was also known for sharing his things with others who lived on the streets.

On Thursday, Prince Albert also released a statement, confirming the investigation remains ongoing and also repeating their call for tips.

Anyone who may have information concerning Ballantyne’s death or activities on July 13th, 2018 is urged to call the Prince Albert Police Service or Crime Stoppers. A confidential tip can also be submitted online at https://www.p3tips.com.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell