Attention: The following account contains detailed graphic violence.
An expert in forensic investigation working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) stated that presumed bloodstains were discovered inside Dean Penney’s garage in 2023, seven years after an altercation that allegedly resulted in the death of Jennifer Hillier-Penney.
During a session at the Supreme Court in Corner Brook, RCMP Sgt. Jonathan Moran disclosed that multiple stains were detected during the examination of Penney’s garage.
The stains were highlighted by an RCMP bloodstain pattern analyst, Moran mentioned, pointing out one particular stain situated between the stairway leading to the garage entrance and a gun safe positioned near the foot of the stairs.
“A chemiluminescent reaction was observed. Consequently, the stain emitted a blue glow in the dark,” explained Moran.
Moran elaborated on the testing method employed to produce this reaction. Known as Bluestar reagent testing, this technique involves spraying a mixture of chemicals and water on targeted areas. If there is a presence of iron, typically found in hemoglobins present in blood, the stain will exhibit a blue luminescence.
This was one of two testing approaches utilized in the investigation.
Seven years earlier, the garage was the site where Dean Penney recounted a confrontation with his estranged wife, Jennifer Hillier-Penney, while he was at home searching for duck decoys for a hunting expedition.
In two recorded confessions with an undercover RCMP officer posing as a crime syndicate leader, Penney admitted to pushing Hillier-Penney down the staircase leading to their garage, causing her to tumble down and hit her head on his gun safe.
He further confessed to striking Hillier-Penney multiple times with a small hammer to ensure she remained unconscious, describing the final blow resulting in a “significant splatter” from her head.
This image, captured by RCMP forensics expert Sgt. Jason Anthony, showcases the stain observed in Penney’s garage. (Court Exhibit/Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador)
Penney mentioned that he cleaned the garage with bleach following the altercation and subsequently disposed of the cleaning materials.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charge of first-degree murder in relation to Hillier-Penney’s demise, as her body has not been located. The defense has contended that Penney’s confession was fabricated.
Moran informed the court of three primary stains identified in the garage: the stain on the gun safe, a stain near the stairway wall, and a stain on the staircase itself.
Moran stated that he became involved in the investigation on December 2, 2016. The police examined Hillier-Penney’s abandoned vehicle and photographed Penney’s residence the subsequent day.
In the ensuing weeks, forensic experts scrutinized Penney’s 2003 Ford Explorer for any potential evidence, along with his cabin. Moran highlighted the discovery of stains inside the vehicle, as well as personal items like hip waders.
According to Penney’s statements to the undercover officer, he utilized hip waders filled with rocks to weigh