Boyfriend of Ashley Simpson charged with second-degree murder
Dec 6, 2021 | 3:17 PM
Aaron Schulze
SALMON ARM, B.C. — BC Prosecution Service approved one charge of second degree murder against Ashley Marie Simpson’s boyfriend at the time of her disappearance.
The charge was approved against 39 year-old Derek Favell on Friday (Dec. 3). Simpson, 32 at the time, disappeared near Salmon Arm in April 2016. B.C. RCMP say Simpson’s typical communication with family and friends ceased unexpectedly and without explanation, leading loved ones and investigators to immediately suspect her disappearance may have been a result of something criminal.
“This team worked diligently for almost five years on the case, identifying Favell as a primary suspect,” C/Supt. Elija Rain states. “We know nothing can bring Ashley back. Now, as we prepare to continue to support Ashley’s family through the court process, we hope that the announcement today will bring them some sense of peace.”
In October 2020, the BC Unsolved Homicide Unit (UHU) assessed the findings to date and assumed conduct of Simpson’s case. UHU assists RCMP Detachments, units and Municipal Police Departments with investigations into unsolved homicides and missing person’s cases where criminality is suspected.
A statement from Simpson’s family says a wave of relief and easiness came over them, knowing that she is finally coming home.
“The circumstances matter, but it matters most that she is brought home,” the statement says. “Relief, something we’ve wished for, for almost six years. It is nice to finally have the closure we have so longed for. Justice for Ashley is the next thing. We miss her, she will always be part of our family. Please give us time to let it sink in. Anybody is more than welcome to come to the service when we announce it on social media and in the local papers.”
Simpson’s family adds that Ashley shined made the people around her shine. She loved her family, and loved to travel, but always came home.
Favell was remanded to appear remotely in Kamloops Provincial Court on Thursday (Dec. 9).
