The man arrested in connection with the murder of Trina Hunt has been released without charge, creating “false hopes” according to his grieving family.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has not yet revealed the identity of the man detained in front of Hunt’s home in Port Moody, BC, on Friday, but has confirmed that he had been released.
“There is not much I can say at this time, as it could jeopardize the integrity of the ongoing investigation,” the IHIT sergeant said. David Lee in an interview this Monday.
Arrest and release “do not mean the end of the investigation,” Lee added, but it was part of the investigation process. That doesn’t mean there won’t be any charges, he said, “only we’re not there yet.”
2:00 Trina Hunt Homicide Arrest Trina Hunt Homicide Arrest
Read more: Man arrested in connection with Trina Hunt homicide in Port Moody, BC
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Hunt was 48 when her husband Iain reported her missing on January 18, 2021, saying she had seen him that morning before leaving for work.
His remains were found by a member of the public south of Silver Creek in Hope, BC, on March 29, 2021, after extensive research by official crews and community volunteers.
Hunt’s cousin said last weekend has come with a “whirlwind” of emotions for the family.
“First we were processing news of an arrest … now we are processing the news that no charges have been filed as a result of this arrest,” Stephanie Ibbott told Global News.
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“It simply came to our notice then. It’s beyond understanding how we could have gotten to this point and then nothing. It was just a lot of false hope. “
Port Moody’s police are seen outside Trina Hunt’s home on June 3, 2022, the same day that the RCMP’s integrated homicide investigation team confirmed that a man had been arrested in connection with the case. Presented
Hunt would have turned 50 on Monday. Balloons were seen outside his house that afternoon.
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Ibbott, speaking on behalf of the family, said he expected police to reveal charges of first-degree or second-degree murder on Monday, adding, “Please, it’s not a manslaughter.”
“I never thought for a minute that there would be no charges. I just can’t understand it.”
Read more: One year since Trina Hunt reported missing; many questions remain about the homicide
Police had previously told Hunt’s family that the man arrested on Friday had been released, he said, and that they did not share any information beyond that due to “privacy”.
He said he appreciates the amount of work IHIT has done in the investigation and does not believe the team would have “made such a public show” on Friday for no reason.
“I think that’s what’s helping me deal with this news … I think it’s a warning to anyone involved who’s not giving up and coming looking for you.”
1:12 Trina Hunt’s mother speaks on the eve of Port Moody Trina Hunt’s mother speaks on the eve of Port Moody – November 29, 2021
Friday’s arrest had renewed strong support for Hunt’s family, with some in the neighborhood placing flowers and signs outside his home.
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Community support has helped keep the family afloat, Ibbott said.
“No one lets their light fade and that’s very important. It also helps remind those responsible that no one will forget what you did.
Hunt’s cousins have described him as “bubbly, bright, welcoming, affectionate, thoughtful, passionate, generous, and loyal.” Your case is under investigation and anyone with information can call IHIT at 1-877-551-4448.
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