Boyfriend of Ashley Simpson charged with second-degree murder
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.
