Authorities have discovered a body in the home of Jessica Cunningham, a 43-year-old woman from Maple Ridge, British Columbia, who has been missing since June. A man identified as Mylie Barron, who was reportedly in a relationship with Cunningham, has been charged with indignity to human remains.

The Ridge Meadows RCMP called in the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) after the remains were found at Cunningham's residence on Tuesday. Barron was arrested the following day. Staff Sgt. David Lee of IHIT stated that investigators are working to establish a timeline of Cunningham's activities leading up to her disappearance.

"IHIT is working diligently to understand the circumstances surrounding Jessica's disappearance," Lee said during a news conference.

As of now, police have not confirmed whether the remains belong to Cunningham. They are collaborating with the BC Coroners Service to identify the remains. Lee noted that it is too early to determine if the case involves intimate partner violence.

The investigation has led to the cordoning off of the Gillis Place cul-de-sac, which consists of seven single-family homes. Police maintained a presence in the area for an extended period on Tuesday.

Barron's social media profile features a photograph of Cunningham alongside a youth. Lee emphasized the complexity of missing persons investigations, stating he could not explain why it took a month for police to locate the remains after Cunningham was reported missing. "The investigators took various steps. The evidence they collected led them back to that residence," he explained.

Currently, Barron remains in custody. Court records indicate he is scheduled for a bail hearing in Port Coquitlam on September 26. His request for interim bail was denied during a previous court appearance. A publication ban has been placed on evidence related to the upcoming hearing.