A man originally from Esquimalt has now been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of 43-year-old Jessica Cunningham.
Last year, Cunningham’s disappearance, and the discovery of human remains in her home drew significant public attention.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) says 48-year-old Mylie Barron has been charged with one count of second-degree murder in the homicide of Cunningham.
Cunningham was reported missing in the summer of 2025 after she was last seen in June and reported missing in July.
On August 26th, 2025, Ridge Meadows RCMP attended a residence in the 22800 block of Gillis Place in Maple Ridge as part of the ongoing missing person investigation when investigators discovered what appeared to be human remains inside the home.
The discovery prompted IHIT to take over the investigation.
Investigators worked alongside Ridge Meadows RCMP, the Integrated Forensic Identification Services and the BC Coroners Service as they continued to gather evidence.
The following day, Barron was charged with indignity to human remains in relation to the case and has remained in custody since that time.
According to his Facebook account, Barron is originally from Esquimalt.
Court records show Barron has entered a guilty plea to the indignity to human remains charge and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 5th.
IHIT says investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding Cunningham’s death and gathered further evidence that led to a recommendation for an additional charge.
On March 3rd, Barron was formally charged with second-degree murder.
Police say Barron and Cunningham were in a relationship and had been living together at the Gillis Place residence at the time of the investigation.
“As with all of our investigations, it was important for IHIT investigators to continue to uncover the truth of what happened,” said IHIT Sgt. Freda Fong.
“This was a tragic case and the details have been hard to hear. Our thoughts are with Ms. Cunningham’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
