Man arrested in Trina Hunt case released, no charges

A man who was arrested in Port Moody in connection with the high-profile death of Trina Hunt has been released with no charges.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team confirmed the arrest to CityNews Friday. The name had not been provided.

Members of Hunt’s family also tell CityNews they “can’t confirm from a legal standpoint” who was arrested.

Stephanie Ibbott, Hunt’s cousin told CityNews she and the family are happy that Hunt has not been forgotten and the investigation is still active.

“This isn’t the end. I think this is just a stepping stone in the investigation and it’s what they needed to do. It’s given me hope that they’re still super active and are working really hard. This has just renewed my faith that there will be charges in the near future.”

Hunt was reported missing by her husband in January of last year. Her remains were found months later in Hope, with investigators confirming they suspected foul play in her death, reclassifying her case as a homicide.

“The missing person investigation of Trina Hunt has now transitioned into a case of homicide,” IHIT Sgt. Frank Jang said at the time.

Hunt’s disappearance mobilized a massive effort by the community to find her.

Related articles: 

• Trina Hunt homicide: Man arrested in Port Moody

• Marking one year since the disappearance of Trina Hunt

• Trina Hunt’s remains found in Hope, death considered homicide

In the weeks after she was reported missing, police, search and rescue crews, and hundreds of volunteers scoured the area around her Heritage Woods home. In June 2021, her family announced a $50,000 reward to anyone with information leading to charges or arrests connected to her case.

Vigils have also been held for Hunt, who would have turned 50 this Monday, June 6, 2022.

‘We are in survival mode’: Hunt’s family marks Trina’s 50th birthday

On her birthday, Hunt’s family issued a heartfelt statement, along with an old family video of the Port Moody woman.

In the video, Hunt is seen celebrating a previous birthday alongside family.

“Today is a day Trina was so excited for,” the statement reads, noting Hunt had already begun preparing for her 50th birthday.

“Trina had a knack and passion for making people feel loved and feel special,” the Facebook post reads in part, adding “she was always fussing over others.”

“Sadly, instead of partaking in Trina’s birthday festivities we sit mulling over the past year, analyzing every detail and hope and pray answers will come, and that we can finally ‘let go,'” her family writes.

“Every second of every day there is a cloud of dark thoughts hovering over us. There are brief moments when we are able to escape, but it never waivers and we always get snapped back to our horrible reality. Our anger lies dormant like a volcano waiting to erupt, but we keep it in check, trying to deny it and tell ourselves repeatedly, answers will come, answers will come. We are in survival mode.”

Ibbott told CityNews, the news that no charges would be laid tainted the celebratory day.

“I was prepared to celebrate on Friday morning thinking Monday’s her birthday. We’re going to honor her but there’s no celebrating today. Just frustration and just devastation.”

Hunt’s loved ones are encouraging people to honour the woman on Monday, with “a toast for Trina.”

With files from Mike Lloyd