Missing Kwikwetlem councillor found dead, B.C. homicide investigators say
An elected council member from the Kwikwetlem First Nation who was reported missing last week has been found dead, and a suspect is in custody.
Homicide investigators said a member of the public discovered Stephanie Patterson's body in a rural area of Mission on Tuesday, bringing a tragic end to the search for the 44-year-old Coquitlam resident.
In a statement, Sgt. Timothy Pierotti of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said Patterson's death has "affected the entire community."
"Anyone in need of support is encouraged to reach out to the Coquitlam RCMP’s Victim Services," Pierotti said.
Authorities confirmed a man has been arrested in connection with Patterson's murder, but said the suspect won't be named unless charges are approved against him.
Patterson was last seen leaving her home near Colony Farm Road and Lougheed Highway on Friday afternoon with 57-year-old David Hall.
CTV News has learned Patterson and Hall were married but had been separated for many years. They had three children together, two of whom are now adults.
On Tuesday, authorities announced officers had located Hall – along with a white 2019 Honda Ridgeline the two were believed to have been travelling in – and that they were intensifying their search efforts for Patterson.
Chief Ron Giesbrecht and Coun. George Chaffee of the Kwikwetlem First Nation issued a brief statement Wednesday thanking Coquitlam RCMP for their efforts investigating the councillor's disappearance.
"At this time we ask for respect and privacy for the family in their grief and suffering as we heal together as a community," they said.
Authorities asked anyone with information on Patterson's death who hasn't already spoken with investigators to contact IHIT by calling 1-877-551-4448 or emailing ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Ben Miljure
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