Police arrest estranged husband in high profile N.L. missing persons case

RCMP officers in Newfoundland and Labrador have charged Dean Penney with first-degree murder in connection with the disappearance of his estranged wife, Jennifer Hillier-Penney.

Police in Newfoundland and Labrador have made an arrest in a high profile missing persons case.

RCMP officers have charged Dean Penney with first-degree murder in connection with the disappearance of his estranged wife, Jennifer Hillier-Penney.

Hillier-Penney was last seen near Penney's house in St. Anthony, N.L. on Nov. 30, 2016. Her disappearance shocked the small community and her family has pleaded for years to find answers.

"Seven years of investigative diligence have brought us to this point," said RCMP Insp. Tracy Edwards. "From the beginning, our goal has been to get answers for Jennifer's loved ones and to bring anyone responsible for her disappearance to justice."

Penney was arrested Friday in Deer Lake, N.L. a town on the west coast of the province.

Police wouldn't say what information led to his arrest — explaining investigators do not want to jeopardize the upcoming criminal trial.

Several members of Hillier-Penney's family met with police in St. John's, N.L. on Saturday afternoon, all of whom declined to speak with reporters.