No charges and no answers.
Updates have been hard to come by for Trina Hunt's family since the Port Moody woman was murdered at the age of 48, near Hope, B.C., in early 2021.
While the investigation into her death has been mum lately, and included the arrest and release of a man in June last year, the Hunt family has remained hopeful someone will come forward.
Brad Ibbott, Trina's brother and family spokesperson, said friends and supporters have showed kindness like no other in allowing loved ones to cope in the two years since her disappearance: Jan. 18, 2021.
"This journey has been incredibly difficult, with never-ending waves of grief, anguish and trauma repeatedly engulfing us. Nothing about our path has been simple," he wrote in a statement, which was released by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT).
It was also posted on the #JusticeForTrina Facebook page on Tuesday (Jan. 17) along with a tribute video to mark the anniversary today (Jan. 18).
"We so wish Trina knew of all the support that has embraced her these past two years. Trina would be humbled, a little bashful [truthfully, a lot!] but would also be ever so appreciative of all the love. We continue to thank you for the ongoing positive comments and support."
IHIT spokesperson Sgt. Timothy Pierotti said the special RCMP division continues to work on the case "in pursuit of justice for Trina."
He said this includes the community that spent many hours searching for Hunt in the days following her disappearance.
Search parties by the hundreds covered 2,000 km of land over a combined 1,200 hours across backcountry areas of the Tri-Cities and elsewhere.
What we know
Hunt's husband, Iain, reported her missing to Port Moody police (PMPD) on Jan. 18, allegedly seeing her at home before leaving for work early that morning.
Hunt was confirmed deceased on May 1, 2021, as IHIT investigators determined human remains found on March 29 south of Silver Creek near Hope, B.C., were hers.
On June 1, her family unveiled a $50,000 reward for anyone that came forward with tips that led to an arrest and potential charges, to which the Hunts told the person responsible to "own up" to their actions.
That "generous" sum remains open today in IHIT's appeal for more information. The collective reward consists of contributions from Trina's parents, Charles and Diana Ibbott, her brother Brad and his wife, Jen.
On what would've been her 50th birthday — June 6, 2022 — a man was released without charges after he was initially arrested three days earlier (June 3) in connection to Hunt's death, allegedly at her Heritage Mountain home.
IHIT told the Tri-City News the investigative process that led to that arrest, described as "uneventful" by then spokesperson Sgt. David Lee, which included "sufficient information" obtained by police and a joint effort with the PMPD.
Witnesses said they saw a man come out of the home police converged on in handcuffs. Police said he was cooperative with officers.
That was almost a year to the date after IHIT executed search warrants at two homes on June 6, 2021 — Hunt's Heritage Mountain residence and one in Mission, where a vehicle was taken for evidence.
Two months later, in August 2021, the Hunt family held an intimate celebration of life for Trina.
"The fight for Trina is nowhere near over," the #JusticeForTrina Facebook page reads.
"Although Trina has been brought home to her loving family, she cannot rest peacefully until justice is brought to her name. We must have justice. Trina deserves nothing less."
Anyone with details or tips regarding Hunt's homicide is strongly urged to call IHIT at 1-877-551-4448 or email [email protected], anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or go online to www.solvecrime.ca.
- with a file from Alanna Kelly, Glacier Media
