There has been a tragic twist in the search for a Port Moody woman missing since January.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team confirmed Saturday that human remains found in Hope on March 29 were those of 48-year-old Trina Hunt.
“This is now a homicide case. Foul play suspected,” said IHIT, adding that it was working with Port Moody police and had no other information to immediately share.
Family members issued a statement “With shattered hearts” on Saturday asking for privacy as they grappled with the loss.
“We are forever grateful for your love through all of this. This community of friends, family and strangers (who now feel like friends) has been there to support us in finding Trina each step of the way. Your words, thoughts, kindness and outpouring of love are truly what has kept us going these past 3.5 months,” the statement reads.
“Trina, we love you, and we will never let your sparkle fade from this world.”
Hunt was reportedly last seen at her home in Port Moody’s Heritage Mountain neighbourhood on Jan. 18.
Her husband was the last to see her at their home in the early morning hours of that same day.
A massive air and ground search was launched immediately – but called off after three days.
A grassroots search effort has continued since that time.
In late January, Port Moody police said that foul play was not suspected in her case.
On April 19, three months after Hunt’s disappearance, Port Moody police told Global News the investigation remained very active, with no new updates to report.
-With files from Kristen Robinson