British Columbia

'I just want it to be there forever': a cross in memory of Alberta Williams

Francis Williams has designed a cross that will sit at the site near where his sister's body was found in 1989.

Francis Williams wants the memorial to raise awareness and information about his sister's murder

The 1989 murder of Alberta Williams has never been solved. Her brother hopes a memorial at the site where her body was found on Highway 16 will draw the attention of anyone with information that could help solve her case.

Francis Williams hopes the cross he is erecting in honour of the memory of his murdered sister will encourage anyone with information about her death to come forward.

Alberta Williams' body was found in 1989 in a forest along B.C.'s Highway 16. The 24-year-old Indigenous woman went missing from Prince Rupert and her death remains unsolved. 

The aluminum cross will be raised Sunday.

Francis has had the cross inscribed with a website address so people can learn about Alberta's case and provide any information they might have. 

'Somebody has to be accountable'

"Alberta was a kind, gentle person and for somebody to do this...somebody has to be accountable for this. It's just not right," Francis told Daybreak North host Carolina de Ryk.

Alberta's death was the subject of an eight-part podcast produced by CBC in 2016 and Francis wants the cross to direct more people to the series.

"It's all part of the process I think. By putting this cross up that'll make people more aware of that website and maybe that will make people talk," explained Francis. 

'I thought I was immune to pain'

Francis and Alberta's parents are deceased. Francis' son also died in 2011.

"I thought I was immune to pain...but when you lose your child that's when I really felt the pain. No parent should have to go through that," said Francis.

"I don't think my mom fully recovered going to her grave not knowing who murdered Alberta."

Francis said he does not believe the cross will bring him closure, but he does hope it brings him information. 

"I know that somebody out there...somebody knows something." 

Indigenous leaders estimate that 50 girls and women have been murdered or have gone missing between Prince George and Prince Rupert since 1970.

With files from Daybreak North


To hear the complete interview click on the link labelled Francis Williams on erecting a memorial for his sister Alberta on Highway 16.