Developments in the disappearance of Jennifer Hillier-Penney - The Fifth Estate

When Jennifer Hillier-Penney disappeared in 2016, friends and family had serious questions about the police investigation - and they shared suspicions about who might have been involved with The Fifth Estate. Her husband is now charged with first-degree murder in her death.
#Crime #Investigation
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About The Fifth Estate: For more than four decades, The Fifth Estate has been Canada's premier investigative documentary program. Hosts Bob McKeown, Mark Kelley and Steven D'Souza continue a tradition of provocative and fearless journalism. The Fifth Estate brings in-depth investigations that matter to Canadians - delivering a dazzling parade of political leaders, controversial characters and ordinary people whose lives were touched by triumph or tragedy.
The Fifth Estate airs Fridays at 9pm on CBC-TV and steams on CBC GEM.
FINDING JENNIFER
producer/director
LISA MAYOR
written by
MARK KELLEY
editor
LORETTA HICKS
principal cinematography
JOHN BADCOCK csc
additional cinematography
KEITH WHELAN
intern
MARIE-HÉLÈNE HÉTU
graphic designer
TIM KINDRACHUK
archival material
CP IMAGES
POND 5
graphic director
JEFF GOLDHAR
art director
DAVID MORGAN
senior producer, creative strategy
CELINA FISCHER
visual research
LESLIE MORRISON
rights coordinator
HELENA RAPOSO
media management
MATT GUERIN
post audio engineers
RON SEARLES
MIKE WILSON
colourist
PETER JORGENSEN
interactive producer
STUART DUNCAN
unit managers
JANET BRIDEL
JAY THARAYIL
project manager
SHARON MUSSON
theme music
STEVE D’ANGELO
associate director
MARY-ANN VENDITTI
packaging editor
NANCY DIMENNA
resource coordinator
VICTOR KERR
coordinating producer
LINDA SIBONY
senior producer
RAJ AHLUWALIA
executive producer
JIM WILLIAMSON
original broadcast
OCTOBER 14, 2018

[@LaughingblueSu]

AND THE COPS SAID SHE LEFT ON HER OWN??? without a car, phone or purse? Yeah, happens all the time! 😡😡😡

[@kurtvanluven9351]

How did she drop off her sister then?

[@Joie991]

She obviously didn’t leave of her own accord! Just ridiculous of the rcmp 😡

[@trstn8882]

And you got to realize, St. Anthony has one way in and out. Somebody would have seen her, and the next population center is like 5 hours away. Stupid on the RCMP part

[@KnowledgeIsPower-dn4hx]

Cops are dumb!

[@annelouisejamieson402]

Cops were men

[@steveh9769]

Her daughters and their bravery says a lot about who she was.

[@Puzzle_Dust]

You mean to tell me the rcmp didn’t do their job!?!? SHOCKER!

[@allibrown9068]

That's so weird, cops here in America always do their job!! (Serve and protect? No, harass and collect)

[@stevenbiggar8223]

The RCMP run and hide,,when things has to be done,,

[@royalmichaels1289]

There is no doubt in my mind that the Fifth Estate had a direct impact on both finding the person responsible for Jennifer's disappearance and holding him accountable. Mark is fantastic! The way he tells the story of the victim, the personal and compassionate way he helps us know Jennifer by speaking to her lover ones, the research put in to understand the setting and most importantly the way he can convince a suspect to talk just to go right in to the hard questions. The second interview with Dean told everything! Dean. kicked back, cocky, arrogant until Mark directly asks if he did ir. Clearly he didn't think anyone 2oupe have the balls to ask him that. His body language was extremely telling. Her daughters broke my heart. Your mama is looking down on you always, just reach out to her and she will be there. She would be very proud of her beautiful girls! Seven long years, far too long... Well done Fifth Estate!

[@cleopatraoatcake7364]

The Fifth Estate, doing the RCMP's job ! So sad for her daughters, family, and friends.

[@thenoneckpeoplerepresentat8074]

Since when is convicting a man before his trial a public service? CBC should be ashamed.

[@Anonymous------]

What do you have so against the police enjoying coffee and donuts? 😂

[@ivydickson7596]

Coercive control. Most dangerous time for a woman to leave a partner. He will never give up the body. Ultimate control.

[@lordwalker71]

Who fills their bathtub then suddenly decides to leave town 🙄🤦‍♂️

[@kurtvanluven9351]

Someone filled the bath....

[@susanalexander6721]

​@kurtvanluven9351 left All of her personal property too? Her car? Never contacted her Family she was close with?

[@vickyabramowitz2885]

The Bubblebath Fairy drew the bath.

[@1WVaMomma]

😮 LLP pays a ​

[@kittenlittle2009]

Creepy husband

[@forrestnelson5069]

so many red flags that the family saw yet the RCMP seemed not to think viable. So tired of hearing this story, it happens over and over and it seems that those in power positions learn nothing. My heart goes out to this family.

[@aggie6561]

Agreed, and laws need to change. The RCMP failed to investigate early on, Jesus, what a disgrace.

[@alison2649]

Because the laws are made by men FOR men

[@annelouisejamieson402]

Hard to convict without a body?

[@whererosemaryflourishes]

Sadly, a woman going missing still isn't taken seriously enough by law enforcement throughout the world.

[@noelennon420]

So, do you think if a man went missing like that, the police would rush out to find him?

[@Amy-cx1pw]

Yep

[@catherinegriessel56]

Your so right, she's run away WITHOUT HER BANK ACCOUNT, BELONGINGS AND MORE IMPORTANTLY HER CHILDREN AND FAMILY

[@peterrose9985]

Silky comment.

[@jonnymac8925]

LOL stupid comment of the day goes to you!

[@bethewalt7385]

If her husband did it and the husband is a fisherman, her body got dumped in the ocean, sadly she's long gone, could it be any more obvious?

[@catherinecole3978]

Seven long years to get justice in this case. And with so much time having gone by, physical evidence has been compromised, memories fading, and a story in a remote part of Canada that many people have never heard if. By now, we've learned that the most vulnerable women and children are those who live in rural areas, with few resources to fall back on to in the community. She was blessed with having friends and family who really cared about her, but even then, it took the wheels of justice forever to roll to a conclusion. She was a brave lady, to stand up for herself. She was determined to make a new life for herself on her own terms. Sadly, this opportunity was taken away from her!

[@LovelyLass-nb8op]

Unfortunately those remote places is where bad people go to stay under the radar

[@rosemadder5547]

It's heartbreaking how hard it is to get out of a situation like that. With all the billionaires in the world, there's not enough resources and money to simply help victims help themselves. It's wrong.

[@LovelyLass-nb8op]

Of course it's the husband. He will have dumped her body at sea. No surprise the inept RCMP again being exposed

[@teresacorrigan3076]

A fisherman 😮

[@TheThora17]

You got it. Definitely dumped at sea.. that’s a no brainer for sure

[@catherinegriessel56]

Shocker 9 times out of 10 and vice versa

[@jenniferbailey5914]

Every.single.time!

[@francisebbecke2727]

I guess being a fisherman does give you a leg up on getting rid of a body, possibly a side business.

[@projectkj7643]

The way he gave his “alibi” was so telling. Disgusting monster.

[@SmokeySushi]

I caught that right away "I was at the cabin.... Away for a week.... Hunting ducks eh?" C'mon man!!!!! What an inept police force

[@river8760]

Jennifer’s daughters are amazing.

[@jenniferbailey5914]

Please remember if you intend to leave an abuser make an exit strategy and keep it on the down low. Your life depends on it!

[@cccc7098]

And document everything

[@jeanettecoleman-mz7ie]

He wasn't going to let her go, so he's kept her where only he knows, monster.

[@mkloppers]

The Fifth Estate ROCKS.

[@lifefordummies]

The sad thing is, if convicted, he will probably have to serve very little time. Remember the guy up in Airport Heights in St Johns who went out in his truck to run his wife over, then made a second pass and ran her over again to make sure he had the job done? he got charged with man slaughter, sentenced to 7 years i think? and only had to serve half of it? I don't call that justice.

[@akosua8779]

What That's wild

[@vickyabramowitz2885]

American here. The US gets criticized quite a bit for the long prison terms it hands out compared to other countries, but I would rather see those longer sentences.

[@jonnymac8925]

Yah,the only problem is the USA hands out incredibly harsh sentences to things like drug possession and other small crimes lol

[@jonnymac8925]

The good Ol USA has more times than I can think, convicted an innocent person, or put an innocent person to death because of rushing to get a conviction.

[@Anonymous------]

In Canada he gets only a few months in prison anyway. 😢 But if someone didn't pay the income tax then gets a few years. That's Canada.

[@CrankyBubushka]

I am so very sorry for this family and the kids. There were so many warning signs of the danger she was in.

[@genevieverea5732]

Police should know that if a wife is planning to leave that this is a very dangerous time for a woman

[@Isabella-nh5dm]

He 'wanted Jennifer. He didn't want Jennifer he just didn't want Jennifer to be in control or be with someone else. Everyone knew it was the husband, but knowing and proving are two very different things. So sad for her and her family. Trying to escape domestic violence in smaller communities is very difficult. You have limited resources available near to hand. Everyone knows everyone and everything that is happening in the community but no one wants to get involved.

[@keetahbrough]

if no one wants to help correct the situation for her and thousands of other females, then no one can claim 'community'.. because a community takes CARE and RESPONSIBILITY for the community.

[@kimberleyporter985]

Mark Kelly. Thank you for your reporting. We appreciate you. Thank you.

[@lifesimmercanada5401]

Look at how much he aged. Guilt does crazy things to a person.

[@aggie6561]

Exactly my thoughts, the haunting of his soul will eat him alive.

[@TheRealBatCave]

This guy don't feel guilt

[@eternity7477]

At 51 he looks like 65. Hard to believe it is the same man.

[@Anita_Backrub]

His evil secret had consequences

[@kmd1156]

100%

[@xa9590]

“The shackles were like Christmas bells to me” got me

[@stephanieholmes7573]

Oh my sweet daughter, your mom is sooo proud of you for being her voice and sooo, soooo strong for her!!! Sending you ((hugs))

[@alainpreveaux2428]

Thanks to the Fifth Estate for conducting this investigation so the RCMP could concentrate on political shakedowns.

[@TiffTheTyrant]

I have never heard of this case. Glad I know about her now. RIP

[@outdoorgirl2260]

Once again the RCMP proves its absolute incompetence and uselessness.

[@juicyjules7409]

Wow 😲😢

[@Katmandu29]

Yup, it took them a WEEK to check for DNA and fingerprints after many went in her room. Disgusting. Not proud to be Canadian.

[@MariamMariam-ue7vz]

Her poor daughters and friends.

[@yanifree114]

Jennifer was blessed with good friends..that's for sure.

[@coryharry7300]

Husband wouldn't look the reporter in the eye when he was secretly being recorded. Always suspicious when someone won't look me in the eye when I'm speaking with them.

[@dlo111]

So glad that creep is in jail.

[@kaylagallant1095]

He got 3 days in court in April I heard to try getting bail 🥺😭😭

[@cait.alexander]

Daughters, you are so brave. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I am so deeply sorry this is another story of Canadian “justice” failures.

[@InnocentPotato-pd7wi]

It's called TOXIC MASCULINITY! The USA also has this problem! 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@beer1for2break3fast4]

A terrible crime. Let's hope the punishment fits.

[@Morbid_Freyja27]

Agreed, but chances are that it won't 😬

[@leegalen8383]

If not in this world. definitely in the next.

[@thisismetoday]

You wouldn’t normally be afraid someone wants to harm you for no reason whatsoever

[@annelouisejamieson402]

The reality is no one know what terrible repercussions these guys are capable of.

[@deborahstone9696]

I myself look in the mirror see my mom.😢 it gets better sweetheart. You can still see your mom like I can. Just not in the same way as you used to. Rip to your mom. ❤hopefully justice will prevail.❤❤❤❤❤

[@MaryJane-jt1ds]

He don't feel bad about it eh? Real psycho thing to say.. He didn't feel bad about her going missing? After all those years together he doesn't feel bad?? What a thing to say..

[@judyfowler2023]

I like her daughter. She's got common sense and empathy for her mom

[@alheart7115]

says a lot about the officers who tell the families who report a missing loved one that their person who is gone missing might just have needed an uncalled for get away. just out of the blue. yeah... those officers need to be investigated themselves.

[@annelouisejamieson402]

Well said

[@eh-i1841]

Gosh,mum and daughter look so alike.

[@LizaFergison]

Sadly, I believe her body was disposed of at sea. He was a fisherman.

[@omadjourney]

Thank you for staying on this case and such a shame the police took so long to bring him to justice but I love how her daughters and family are sitting right in front of him and he's cowering like the coward he is.

[@monybony8807]

When you are separating from your spouse it is the most vulnerable time, you should be away, only see your husband in public places and be accompanied by other people. How on earth she stayed by herself in her husband house!!!

[@HRM0302]

Stupid RCMP. Negligent.

[@rethinkcps2116]

Hope there is enough evidence -

[@juliarock3424]

Marina is such a loving daughter. Dean says he doesn’t feel bad but then says “his Girls”. Most normal innocent people would be feeling distraught! I hope he is denied bail, but our justice system is appalling at best. Maybe he will grow a conscience and tell his daughters where she is.

[@ruthjohnson2710]

Thank you for this story. My heart goes out to her family and friends.

[@TheThora17]

Good luck Marina! My thoughts are with you and praying for Justice 💕 You can do it gurl- your mom would be proud

[@Angela-pm4nd]

His guilt has aged him 20 years . RIP Jennifer 🙏

[@beautybliss7127]

The husband is so filled with hateful bitter bile. Because of his rage, he let the devil in and murdered the mother of his children. His day will come and he will face Jennifer before God. RIP Jennifer and God Bless your amazing daughters.🙏

[@susanalexander6721]

All about losing control and power.

[@katedavey2045]

Why can't he just leave the poor woman alone to go and live her live..Controlling men are so deranged and evil.😢

[@mickeyandres2651]

Jennifer was blessed with wonderful daughters.

[@karphin1]

Sounds like the Mounties dropped the ball at the beginning of the disappearance. Why would Ms. Hillier Penney leave with no purse, coat or anything and just disappear? I am not surprised to think the spouse did it, he had threatened her and like so many men, couldn’t stand to lose control over her. She had to go. So sad.

[@aarondavis8943]

The RCMP seem to screw up far too often. Also, kudos to the Fifth Estate. Both for the reporting and allowing us to have our say in the comments. The Australian broadcaster always has comments turned off and I think it's really contemptuous of the public.

[@Lakridza67]

I totally agree! It really bothers me that we have no opportunity to comment on the newsfeeds here in Australia. It’s really wrong and fundamentally suspicious.

[@tia.the.mockingbird]

These daughters have to carry so much.

[@LilMOMMAson]

So the spouse is responsible. WOW, surely didn’t see that coming 🙄

[@hyena280]

Just a frequent correlation.

[@clemqueens1943]

I’ve watched this twice and while playing on my TV, my husband came in to say WOW! So moving. Thank you-healing 💜

[@johnransom1146]

Let’s hope he confesses and tells the poor family and friends what happened to her. I’m sure she’s swimming with the fishes. He looks like his guilt is taking a toll

[@differenttakethanmost]

😂🤣😂 never gonna happen. He’s had all this time to completely convince himself that he’s done nothing wrong Humans hate taking responsibility for their own actions

[@ivydickson7596]

Coercive controllers maintain the control even in death. He will never tell. Never give up his control of her. It's always the most dangerous time for women to leave a controlling man.

[@eh-i1841]

@@ivydickson7596so true.

[@zombiechicken7114]

Please, if you are leaving a partner. Gather your essentials and go. Do not tell them you are going in advance, and never go to see them alone. Better to be over cautious. Deanna must feel awful if she really was the reason Jennifer was pushed to & agreed, to stay at deans house.

[@FIONA21ful]

His deterioration within the last few years is a shocking part of this case in itself...it points to his guilt & of Demons of fear & regret eating him alive. He does not look like the same man, ive rarely seen such a markedly changed appearance happen in 5 years, even amongst drug addicts.

[@daleversfelt]

RCMP priorities across Canada have been a mess for years and are only getting worse.

[@fluffy231]

Last interview.. He shakes when he says he didn’t do it..He did It ..Body language speaks volumes. She probably was dumped in the ocean, with a fishing net n weights..Pray she gets justice

[@davidgordon7623]

Is weaponized lazy inertia a thing? Because the RCMP have a severe and grotesque case of it. Condolences to all Jennifer's family & friends. 💔

[@helenhunter4540]

Does the husband have friends in the rcmp?

[@FlowerChild65]

My heart just goes out to her. To lose your parent is hard enough, but to lose them because your other parent murdered them? I can't imagine. The reporting on this has been great. It's no doubt that the media exposure and pressure helped to get justice. I can't believe the RCMP waited so long to even secure the scene?! Complete incompetence.

[@eh-i1841]

Psychics?Really?SMH.

[@margaretr5701]

Desperate for answers, it's understandable to try everything.

[@user-qp2cw3po4h]

Was thinking the same 🙄

[@jillcopp1899]

If you have ever been put in a situation of the not knowing and you think about your missing loved one 24/7 365 and can't sleep or eat because you are in extreme agony and helpless. You will try anything. You have to try everything. It doesn't matter how crazy or silly it looks to anyone else. Being the child of a murdered/missing person it's unbearable not having closer. The not knowing.

[@susanalexander6721]

There are reputable people who claim psychic abilities who regularly work with police. Just saying.

[@deborahkurek2988]

God Bless the daughters may the love of their Mother always be around them ❤ 🙏

[@SS-bg6ht]

May god give strength to the daughters ❤

[@perrieargent9997]

So often the Police 👮 👮‍♂️ 👮‍♀️ everywhere do very little except strut around in their uniform. Lazy and utterly USELESS!

[@MaryJane-jt1ds]

Well you know why she wanted to leave.

[@user-zr3pj5tk7k]

The RCMP needs disbanding. Another great video 5th Estate.

[@Trigger200284]

What’s the evidence that lead to the arrest?

[@susanalexander6721]

Wondering that.

[@MrLANWANMAN]

Yes that's a good question 🤔

[@veronica407]

No surprise RCMP took forever to

[@LoveCats9220]

The RCMP says this was a complex case. How? Because it took them a week to take the case seriously?

[@francesfoley8429]

So sad . Not the first time this has happened to a woman who wanted to start over . May she rest in peace .

[@sharonmercer526]

Did anyone ever think to take police dogs out to where her husband was hunting? He could have taken there where maybe no one would think to look . Just a thought I had that he took her there. So very sorry for her family.

[@vladimirputin2685]

The fifth estate is the best place for documentaries and I live in the States

[@donnacrozier2003]

It doesn't matter where these wmen live! Canada, U.S.A., England, Australia, Africa, or South America please make better decisions and plans to get away from the unhappiness and control! Be strong, stay safe, and escape quietly Love Fifth Estate from a Canuck 🇨🇦!

[@deborahstone9696]

I'm from Ontario hun❤❤❤

[@lungamadoda6992]

That’s what I’m planning to do , escape quietly I’m from South Africa .

[@ritakisil1669]

@@lungamadoda6992 i wish you good luck...there's only so much people can handle. God bless

[@reallyrho1101]

If you knew St Anthony you would realize how small a community it is and therefore how difficult it would have been for Jennifer to do much differently. Her fatal mistake was still believing deep down her husband wouldn’t hurt her.

[@ginaiozzo793]

The husband deteriorated so bad, all from fear and guilt of getting caught. Hopefully Justice will be served.

[@Birdsatemyface7]

so sad. you should cover Justin Evans case!

[@gmaellen5530]

I’m so sad for her daughter! Her pain is so raw! 💔

[@hartartiste7650]

I worry about this happening to me... Going missing and no one looks for me.. 🤕. Have had threats... Dad works with law enforcement but lost my evidence instead of helping me submit it 🥵

[@hartartiste7650]

There should be a place to report, "if i 🕳️ it wasn't me" BEFORE anything serious or discrediting or 911💉

[@ritakisil1669]

That's so sad...let close friends know where you are, leave trails. Stay safe

[@Catie11]

Praying for her daughters and keep their beautiful Mom’s memories. ❤

[@felixculpa3520]

Given that there doesn't seem to be any evidence against him, at all, I wonder how a conviction is even a possibility... -- meow.

[@jakebe4915]

"The shackles were Christmas bells to me." Courageous daughters indeed..and a beautiful part of the world

[@TheTeach56]

Lousy police job. Incredible.

[@ronentwisle5373]

I think I've heard this story over and over again.

[@swampcat0712]

maybe my family is different, but if my sister got talked into doing something like this and she told everyone that she was afraid, by god all of us sisters, aunts and cousins would've stayed with her or watched over things.....wth people?! when she told you she was scared.... what did you do?! sat at home and worried? checked on her? told her you'd come over and be with her? offer her a chance to come to your house? funny how you believe she was afraid after the fact. useless

[@sandrafaith]

Ultimately, it's no one's fault but the killer's. Hindsight is 20/20.

[@swampcat0712]

@@sandrafaithstating the obvious there......

[@karengillispie3989]

Prayers for your mom and her kids.much love sent to you all..

[@HalifaxHercules]

To make matters worse, Dean Penney has now applied for bail. His Bail Hearing will be held in mid April. Since Dean fired a high quality Criminal Defence Lawyer like Rosellen Sullivan and enlisted a Legal Aid Lawyer like Jason Edwards, deemed a flight and suicide risk, has a poor reputation along the Grenfell Loop and St. Anthony areas, he will likely be denied bail.

[@sueannskerrattherron2079]

Why is the RCMP so incompetent? Case after case...SMH

[@marshall9485]

Thank God, we have a competent police force that investigates these kind of crimes properly and follow through with prosecuting these individuals accordingly……. NOT

[@kimvc9958]

😢

[@CDN1975]

Man, did he ever age in 7 years. Hope her daughters get some answers and find some measure of peace.

[@nunyabusiness5790]

Better late than never!

[@funwithFred]

She's a precious daughter and her mother would be so proud of her. Well done, sweetheart.......you are brave and strong.

[@margarethairsine8648]

My heart goes out to Jennifer's girls. To not only lose their mother but at the hands of their father. xoxo

[@theoryneutral]

Thank you, 5E.

[@nene1964]

This story was very well told and laid out. The host did a great job. It sounds like it was read from a book

[@davidolson4126]

Complex case? Seriously???

[@yvonnekneeshaw2784]

So sad daughters/family/friends suffered so…hope justice is served 🇨🇦 ❤