Jessica Cunningham. (Image Credit: IHIT.)

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Homicide investigation

Second-degree murder charge laid in homicide of 43-year-old Maple Ridge woman: IHIT

Mar 4, 2026 | 2:20 PM

MAPLE RIDGE – Homicide investigators now say a charge of second-degree murder has been laid against a suspect in the homicide of his partner, a 43-year-old woman who was initially reported missing in 2025 but whose remains were later discovered.

According to a statement from Integrated Homicide Investigation Team spokesperson Sgt. Freda Fong, Ridge Meadows RCMP members attended a home on August 26, 2025, in the 22800 block of Gillis Place in Maple Ridge for an ongoing missing person investigation involving 43-year-old Jessica Cunningham.

Sgt. Fong says investigative measures led to the discovery of what appeared to be human remains inside the residence, prompting the deployment of IHIT detectives to the scene.

IHIT worked in close partnership with the Ridge Meadows RCMP detachment, the Integrated Forensic Identification Services (IFIS) and the BC Coroners Service to advance the investigation.

On August 27, 2025, the BC Prosecution Service laid a charge of indignity to human remains against Mylie Barron in relation to this investigation.

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IHIT continued its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Ms. Cunningham. As a result of the evidence gathered, an additional charge of second-degree murder was recommended by IHIT investigators.

On March 3, 2026, Barron, now 48 years old, was charged with one count of second-degree murder for the homicide of Ms. Cunningham. Sgt. Fong says Barron and Cunningham were in a relationship and had been residing together at the residence on Gillis Place.

Barron is currently in custody for the indignity to human remains charge to which he has entered a guilty plea for. The Court is scheduled to impose a sentence on Thursday, March 5, 2026, for that matter.

“As with all of our investigations, it was important for IHIT investigators to continue to uncover the truth of what happened,” says Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT. “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.”