Estranged husband accused of murdering N.L. woman who disappeared in 2016

Family and friends of Jennifer Hillier-Penney gathered outside of RCMP headquarters in St. John’s on Saturday looking for answers into what has been a seven-year mystery. 

Hillier-Penney has been missing since Nov. 30, 2016.

Dean Penney, 50, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of his estranged wife. He was arrested in Deer Lake around noon on Friday.

The RCMP made the announcement during a news conference Saturday morning.

“Seven years of investigative diligence has brought us to this point,” RCMP Insp. Tracy Edwards told reporters. “From the beginning, our goal has been to get answers for Jennifer’s loved ones and to bring anyone responsible for her disappearance to justice.”

Edwards would not elaborate on what exactly led the police to make an arrest at this time. 

“To lay a first-degree murder charge against anybody, there has to be sufficient evidence to support that charge,” Edwards said. “We do have sufficient evidence to lay it.”

After seven long years, the family and friends of Jennifer Hillier-Penney have some answers. Dean Penney, 50, has been charged with first-degree murder. Hillier-Penney’s remains have yet to be found. The RCMP held a news conference in St. John’s on Saturday to make the announcement.

Hillier-Penney was last seen at Penney’s house on Husky Drive in St. Anthony. At the time, she had moved in with her father and was beginning a separation from Penney. She was at the house watching her youngest daughter while Penney was duck hunting at their cabin in nearby Northwest Arm.

The RCMP said Saturday her remains still haven’t been found and investigators continue to follow all leads related to the possible location.

Edwards said the police won’t provide further details on the investigation since the matter is now before the courts. 

Penney appeared in court on Saturday and has been remanded into custody.

• Missing: What happened to Jennifer-Hillier Penney? – The Fifth Estate
• Investigating the disappearance of Jennifer Hillier-Penney – The Fifth Estate

Earlier this week, RCMP boats were spotted in Northwest Arm, which is located near Penney’s cabin.

Edwards confirmed that the increased police presence on the Northern Peninsula is related to this investigation. 

“We do have people still looking for evidence, there may be search warrants executed,” Edwards said.

“We will continue to use whatever resources are required to follow up any information we have that relates to the location of Jennifer’s remains.”

While Hillier-Penney’s supporters declined an interview on Saturday, they said the last seven years have been long and their focus now is on finding Hillier-Penney’s remains and bringing her home.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

William Ping is a newsreader and journalist with CBC at its bureau in St. John’s.