Still no arrests, still no answers and still no closure.
It's been exactly one year since when it became public that Trina Hunt, a 48-year-old woman from Port Moody, was reported missing to police and the PMPD began an investigation.
Fast forward to today (Jan. 18) and her since confirmed murder remains an open investigation by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT).
This is amid a $50,000 reward from the family and several vigils in Hunt's honour that's given the opportunity to reflect and remember the impact she had on the community.
"Some days we have hope, some days we have no hope. It does help to connect with others," said Jennifer Ibbott, Hunt’s sister-in-law, in an earlier interview with the Tri-City News, noting the family was struggling with trauma.
"I don’t know how we can ever just rest without knowing — until IHIT has come to some closure."
After several public pleas when foul play was initially suspected, the community gathered together to perform a series of searches through the local forested areas in hopes of finding Hunt, or something that could help officials in their investigation.
According to the #JusticeForTrina Facebook page, a video explains more than 500 volunteers spent 1,200 hours searching and covering 2,000 km of land — equalling the distance from Port Moody to Los Angeles and ascending to the top of Mount Everest six times.
"This community has shown its love and support over and over again. Together, we will move mountains and we will be Trina's voice."
It was ultimately determined on May 1, 2021, some remains found near a rural area of Hope, B.C., in late March were Hunt's, leading to confusion and “a new level of anticipation and anger,” said sister-in-law and family spokesperson Stephanie Ibbott at the time of the discovery.
On June 1, her family announced $50,000 for anyone who comes forward with tips that lead to an arrest and potential charges, to which the Hunts told the person responsible to "own up" to their actions.
"We understand there is a great deal of interest and our updates have been limited,” said IHIT spokesperson Sgt. David Lee in a statement today about the one-year anniversary, noting the division has been in contact with the Hunt family.
"These investigations take time and we do not want to jeopardize a positive outcome."
Lee adds this is still an "active and priority case" for IHIT.
He said investigators are still looking into all avenues and to maintain the integrity of the case, no other information is being shared at this time.
When it comes to submitting tips at this point, Lee told the Tri-City News in an earlier interview that dated or old details can still be very important.
"The public has greatly assisted in the initial part of the investigation and continue to do so now. Their contributions to the search and canvassing was invaluable. If anyone uncovers any information or evidence, we ask them to call IHIT. There are procedures, protocols, and legalities that the police have to follow to gather the evidence. If the public is unaware of these issues, they may taint the evidence or cause it to become inadmissible."
On June 6, IHIT executed search warrants at two homes — one on Heritage Mountain in Port Moody and one in Mission where a vehicle was taken for evidence.
No public information has been formally released since then.
"We are unable to divulge those specifics as doing so may put the success/outcome of these strategies at risk," added Lee.
"IHIT investigators are looking at every possible avenue. Strategies developed internally by investigators, and even leads from the public, are being assessed and followed-up on."
June 6 is also the day Hunt would've turned 49 years old. The family officially held an intimate celebration of life in her honour on Aug. 7.
Anyone with details or tips regarding Hunt's murder is strongly encouraged to call IHIT at 1-877-551-4448 or email [email protected], anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or go online to www.solvecrime.ca.
