Ex-boyfriend charged with 2nd-degree murder in death of Holly Hamilton

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Justin Dumpfrey’s name.

A former boyfriend has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of a 29-year-old Hamilton mother who was reported missing on Monday.

Justin Dumpfrey, 30, of Hamilton, made a brief court appearance on Thursday. He remains in custody.

Holly Hamilton’s body was found inside her car on Wednesday afternoon. Police have not revealed her cause of death, and a post-mortem examination is scheduled for Friday.

At a press conference on Thursday, Staff-Sgt. Dave Oleniuk of the Hamilton police homicide unit addressed reports there had been a history of domestic violence in the relationship.

“The police had been involved in their relationship before as a result of violence. He had been charged before,” said Oleniuk, who declined to provide further details.

Dumpfrey had also been on probation with conditions pertaining to contact with Hamilton, Oleniuk said.

WATCH: Body of Holly Hamilton found in vehicle in parking garage, suspect arrested

3:57 Body of Holly Hamilton found in vehicle in parking garage, suspect arrested

He was arrested on Wednesday after appearing in court on an unrelated matter, police said.

Hamilton, who has a young daughter and worked for a cleaning service, was last seen on Sunday. Police described her disappearance as out of character, and the homicide unit took over the investigation as officers said there was “reason to be concerned for her safety.”

Her 1996 Ford Escort was discovered by Hamilton police patrol units in the lower level of an apartment building parking garage near Centennial Parkway North and Barton Street East at around 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

Employees at the Freshco supermarket a block from Dumpfrey’s home tell Global News that police obtained surveillance video from the store that shows a man matching the 30-year-old’s description buying garbage bags and cleaning supplies.

During Thursday’s press conference, Oleniuk declined to confirm, but did say, “There is extensive video in the neighbourhood. He was quite busy during the day Monday.”

Prior to Dumpfrey’s arrest, police said they were looking to speak with an ex of Hamilton’s, who was not named as a suspect in the case but could have “valuable information” as he was said to have seen her recently.

Dumpfrey’s next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 24. He was ordered not to have contact with several members of Hamilton’s family, including her young daughter.

Hamilton’s death is the city’s first homicide of 2018.

With files from Jamie Maraucher and Nick Westoll