Cortney Lake's ex-boyfriend 'only suspect,' police pleading for people to come forward
CBC News | Posted: November 14, 2017 10:01 AM | Last Updated: November 14, 2017
Lake's mother wept as she described the last few months as 'living hell'
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary confirmed Tuesday that Philip Smith, ex-boyfriend of Cortney Lake, is the "only suspect" in her death.
The last five months have been a living hell for our family. - Lisa Lake
Police are "pleading" with people who investigators believe "have withheld information" in the Lake homicide investigation to come forward.
The Major Crimes Unit has released new images of Smith and his vehicle from June 8, 2017 — the day after Lake, 24, was last seen with Smith.
Police are asking anyone who may have seen his truck or anyone who has dashcam footage to please come forward.
Smith committed suicide and his body was found in a wooded area near Bellevue Beach on Nov. 1.
Police searched the area following the discovery of Smith's body, but said no clues were found regarding the homicide investigation.
The RNC said Lake's death remains an "active investigation."
'Living hell' for family
Lisa Lake, Cortney's mother, cried as she spoke about her only daughter on Tuesday at police headquarters.
"The last five months have been a living hell for our family," she said, weeping.
She begged anyone with information that could lead police to Lake's remains to come forward, so that family could bury her.
"My daughter deserves that, we need that," said Lake.
"I would love to be able to place flowers on her grave."
Lake has not been seen since June 7, and police are investigating her disappearance as a homicide, although her body has not been found.
Police said over 100 interviews have been conducted in the Lake investigation so far and the investigative team "remains focused and committed to working toward locating the body of Cortney Lake."
Anyone with information is asked to call the RNC's investigative team directly at (709) 729-8800 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers.