In the days following the murder of Summer Star Elizabeth Krista-Lee (CJ) Fowler, the Kamloops RCMP Major Crime Unit released few details of the homicide and only described CJ as, “A troubled youth.”
However, family and friends say there is so much more to CJ than the thumbnail sketch provided by the RCMP and they don’t want her memory to be added to that of the more than 600 missing and murdered women across Canada, according to Julie Morrison, Gitanmaax Band’s chief councillor.
CJ’s parents, Matilda Fowler and Glen Wilson, asked Morrison to accompany them to Vancouver last Wednesday, where a press conference was held to inform the public about the investigation into CJ’s death.
“Matilda and Glen want people to remember that she was a person,” Morrison said.
“Not just a number.”
CJ’s parents described her as a girl who always had a smile on her face and somebody that would stop and give something to a homeless person she saw on the street, Morrison said.
At the press conference, the Assembly of First Nations renewed their call for an inquiry into the estimated 600 aboriginal women who have gone missing or murdered.
“The tragic death of Summer Star Elizabeth Krista-Lee Fowler has triggered an overwhelmingly painful reminder in all of our communities,” AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo said during the press conference.
“We must all commit including all governments to address the root causes of such tragedies so that our peoples can achieve the safety and security required and deserved.”
After attending the press conference, and spending a day, with the grieving parents Morrison said she was in awe.
“I’m impressed with the strength shown by these two people that are going through what no parent should ever have to endure,” Morrison said.
“They’re also displaying incredible patience.”
A forensic autopsy conducted Thursday, Dec. 13 confirmed Fowler’s death was a homicide, however, the cause of death has not been released.
Prior to travelling to Kamloops, Fowler had been living in and around Terrace with family and friends, Learned said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the RCMP or CrimeStoppers.
