Dean Penney, Charged in ‘Mr. Big’ Sting Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder
A jury convicted Penney after a four-year RCMP sting and videotaped confessions that prosecutors said proved he killed his estranged wife.
- On Sunday, a jury in western Newfoundland found Dean Penney guilty of first-degree murder in the 2016 disappearance of his estranged wife, Jennifer Hillier-Penney.
- Following the 2016 disappearance from St. Anthony, Newfoundland, a four-year covert RCMP investigation involving roughly 100 officers led to charges against Penney in late 2023.
- Video evidence totaling eight hours showed Penney confessing to the killing, though defence lawyers argued his admissions were fabrications made under "coercion" to escape a tense situation.
- Jurors spent three full days sequestered in Corner Brook, N.L., deliberating the case, requesting unedited video footage of Penney's conversations on Friday before reaching their verdict.
- RCMP officer Adam Palmer credited the family's "tireless demands for justice," stating he hoped the verdict would bring them peace; Hillier-Penney's remains still have not been found.
39 Articles
39 Articles
‘Mr. Big’ sting for N.L. man guilty of killing estranged wife involved 100 officers
ST. JOHN'S - An elaborate sting operation known as a "Mr. Big" setup ultimately led a jury to convict a Newfoundland man for first-degree murder in the disappearance of his estranged wife, Jennifer Hillier-Penney.
Newfoundland man found guilty of killing his estranged wife in 2016
ST. JOHN'S - A jury in western Newfoundland has found Dean Penney guilty of first-degree murder in the disappearance of his estranged wife, Jennifer Hillier-Penney.
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