48 Hours: Hard Evidence Season 15 Episode 11 Highway of Tears

In the 15th season of the CBS show 48 Hours: Hard Evidence, episode 11 is titled "Highway of Tears." This episode discusses one of Canada's most notorious cold cases - the disappearance and murder of several Indigenous women along a stretch of highway in British Columbia.

The Highway of Tears, which is roughly 500 miles of highway stretching from Prince George to Prince Rupert in British Columbia, has been an infamous site for the disappearance and murder of at least 18 women, mostly Indigenous, since the 1970s. While some of the cases have been solved and suspects charged, many of them remain unsolved, leaving families heartbroken and a community searching for answers.

The episode follows the story of Nicole Hoar, a young Indigenous woman who went missing in 2002 while hitchhiking along the Highway of Tears. The show also profiles Ramona Wilson, who disappeared in 1994, and other Indigenous women who were murdered or went missing along the highway.

The episode tells the stories of the families left behind and the struggles they face in trying to find closure and justice for their loved ones. One family, in particular, is that of Angelina Pete, whose daughter, Roxanne Thiara, disappeared in 1994. Angelina has been tirelessly advocating for more vigilance and attention towards the missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada.

The episode looks at the work of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Task Force, which was established to investigate the cases of the missing and murdered Indigenous women along the highway. The RCMP Task Force has been scrutinized for its handling of the cases and the lack of progress in solving them.

The show also explores the social, economic, and historical factors that contribute to the vulnerability of Indigenous women and girls in Canada. High rates of poverty, a legacy of residential schools, and systemic racism are just some of the challenges that Indigenous communities face.

Ultimately, Highway of Tears serves as a call to action for the government and communities to address the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women along the Highway of Tears and across Canada. It highlights the need for greater visibility, accountability, and action to ensure that Indigenous women and girls are protected from violence and that their families receive the justice and closure they deserve.

The episode ends with a plea from the families of the missing women for information that could help solve the cases and bring closure to their loved ones. It serves as a reminder that solving these cold cases is not just about justice for the victims but also about healing and hope for the families who have endured so much pain and uncertainty.