Jaclyn Ferland-Smith, Candace Smith, and others Missing Person Case, Playas del Coco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
This source-based behavioral analysis does not establish a clinical diagnosis, motive, or legal finding.
The case involves complex interplay of mental health challenges and domestic conflict within a marital relationship, culminating in a disappearance with unresolved circumstances.
Jackie suffered from schizoaffective disorder, experiencing paranoia and mood instability, which affected her behavior and relationship with Sebastian. The couple had frequent emotional conflicts, including threats and verbal hostility, but no reported physical violence. The mental health issues and domestic tensions likely contributed to the stress and eventual disappearance.
The pathway to disappearance involved escalating domestic conflicts and mental health deterioration, with Jackie previously leaving home overnight but always returning. The final event saw Jackie leaving without personal belongings and not returning, triggering a missing person investigation.
Each entry separates the reported behavior or state from the analytical strength of the available narration.
| Behavior / construct | Person / subject | Detailed case context | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chronic interpersonal conflict Relationship stressor | Jaclyn Ferland-Smith and Sebastian Furland |
The couple had ongoing conflicts characterized by verbal hostility and threats, including Sebastian allegedly threatening suicide and blaming Jackie. These conflicts created a high-stress environment. Context or trigger: Frequent arguments and verbal hostility Reported expression: Low-blow fights, threats of self-harm, and emotional distress |
Narrative-supported psychological state Confidence: Moderate |
| Separation or abandonment threat Loss or threat | Jaclyn Ferland-Smith Victim |
Jackie had previously left the house overnight after arguments but always returned and contacted Sebastian, indicating possible relationship instability and threats of separation. Context or trigger: Previous overnight absences from home Reported expression: Leaving home without notice, staying at hotels |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Fear or perceived threat Emotional state | Family members |
Family members were told by police to leave Sebastian's home immediately, indicating perceived threat or suspicion surrounding him. Context or trigger: Police advising family to leave Sebastian's home Reported expression: Fear of Sebastian's involvement or influence |
Narrative-supported psychological state Confidence: Moderate |
| Withdrawal or reduced functioning Behavioral pattern | Jaclyn Ferland-Smith Victim |
Jackie avoided social interactions and changes to her routine, which is consistent with her diagnosis and may have contributed to isolation and vulnerability. Context or trigger: Avoidance of social interactions and changes Reported expression: Avoiding strangers and changes to routine Diagnosis reported by source: Schizoaffective disorder |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Emotional abuse Control dynamics | Sebastian Furland HusbandHusband of the victim |
Sebastian reportedly threatened suicide multiple times blaming Jackie, and the couple exchanged hostile verbal insults, indicating emotional abuse dynamics. Context or trigger: Reported verbal threats and hostility Reported expression: Threats of suicide blaming Jackie, verbal insults |
Narrative-supported psychological state Confidence: Moderate |
| Help-seeking or disclosure Coping response | Family and community |
Jackie's family actively sought help through travel, police engagement, and social media to locate her, demonstrating proactive coping and disclosure. Context or trigger: Search efforts and public appeals Reported expression: Family traveling to Costa Rica, social media posts, police reports |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
Select a stage to expand it; scroll horizontally to follow the full sequence.
Jackie and Sebastian met and married in Canada, then relocated to Costa Rica in 2019 to start a new life together.
In 2019, Jackie was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, experiencing paranoia and mood instability, affecting her behavior and relationship.
The couple experienced frequent verbal conflicts and emotional distress, including threats and hostility, contributing to relationship strain.
Jackie had previously left home overnight after arguments but always returned and communicated with Sebastian.
On August 17, 2021, Jackie left home at night without personal belongings and did not return, triggering a missing person investigation.
Police investigated the disappearance, advised family to leave Sebastian's home, and suspected Sebastian's involvement though no charges were filed.
More than two years later, Jackie remains missing, and the case remains open without resolution or charges.
Arrows show the sequence described in the source narrative; they do not prove that one psychological state caused the next event.
Analysis is limited by lack of direct clinical evaluations at the time of disappearance, absence of physical evidence, and reliance on secondhand reports and interviews. No formal charges or convictions limit behavioral conclusions.