Calgary man charged with murder in case of missing Coquitlam woman

B.C. homicide investigators say a Calgary man is facing murder charges in relation to the death of a woman who was initially reported missing in Coquitlam last year.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) says 30-year-old Carson Mackay was arrested in Calgary on Thursday in connection with the murder of Jodine Millar. He was charged with one count of second-degree murder on Friday.

Millar, 57, was reported missing on Nov. 27, 2022, with the Coquitlam RCMP saying at the time she was “high-risk” and new to the province.

In an update on Friday, IHIT says it took over the investigation into Millar’s disappearance last December “based on evidence suggesting her disappearance was a result of foul play.”

IHIT, the Coquitlam RCMP, the Calgary Police Service, and the Airdrie RCMP were all involved in the investigation.

“Our investigation shows that they were known to each other,” IHIT spokesperson Sgt. Timothy Pierotti said of Millar and Mackay.

“The exact nature of their relationship is still something that we’re trying to determine.”

Pierotti tells CityNews Mackay is being transferred from Alberta to B.C. to face the murder charge.

He confirms Millar’s remains were recovered.

“Due to the nature of the investigation, I can’t reveal when or where they were recovered, or what state they were in,” he explained. “The family has been notified.”

According to Pierotti, Millar was originally from Manitoba and had moved to the Lower Mainland to be closer to her adult daughter.

“Tragedies like this unfortunately happen, and we have to look after ourselves and look after each other. Take a look at those around you, and if they’re in need of support, speak to them, have that open communication,” Pierotti said.

“She was someone who would regularly go out with her dog, take long walks. She was, from what I understand, a lovely person. A tragedy like this will have a profound effect on the community.”

With files from Hana Mae Nassar