Preliminary inquiry for murder suspect Dean Penney starts in Corner Brook

Dean Penney, accused of murder in the first degree, was back in court in Corner Brook Monday morning.

It marked the beginning of his preliminary inquiry — a hearing used in serious criminal cases to determine whether the evidence assembled by the Crown is sufficient to proceed with a trial. 

Penney is accused of murdering his estranged wife, Jennifer Hillier-Penney.

She was first reported missing in November 2016 and police later deemed her disappearance suspicious.

Last December, police arrested Penney and charged him with first-degree murder.

There is a publication ban in place, which prevents the media from revealing any details or identifying any witnesses during the preliminary inquiry.

The inquiry is expected to take two weeks.

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