Investigation into murder of Saint John dentist Cindy McCormick in Alberta closed

RCMP have concluded their investigation into the murder of Saint John dentist Cindy McCormick at a hotel in Alberta last weekend by her partner, Saint John firefighter Robert (Bobby) Kaine, who was also found dead in B.C.

"We have no further investigational avenues that we're pursuing," Cpl. Curtis Peters told CBC News on Friday afternoon.

"We're not looking for any other suspects in her death."

The body of the 46-year-old mother of two is being returned to Saint John, with visiting scheduled for Sunday and a memorial service on Monday, according to her obituary.

McCormick's body was discovered at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise on Oct. 22 around 2:40 p.m. after the police were called to check on the welfare of the occupant of the room.

• 'I will never not speak out again': Cindy McCormick killed in murder-suicide, says friend
• Victim in Lake Louise hotel homicide still unidentified, say RCMP

She had been attending a dental conference at the hotel and Kaine, 52, who has an adult son in Alberta, had accompanied her.

Kaine's body was found around noon the same day in a vehicle west of Lake Louise on Emerald Lake Road, near the Alberta-B.C. border. His death was described as "non-criminal."

Peters did not release the name of either deceased, but did say the names reported in the media were "not wrong."

McCormick's obituary, posted online on Friday, confirmed her "unexpected passing" in Lake Louise on Oct. 22.

The causes of death have not been released, but McCormick's best friend Jennifer Gordon told CBC News police informed the family she died from multiple blunt force trauma in an apparent murder-suicide and Kaine was the only suspect.

Although the medical examiner initially had difficulty confirming the identity of the woman, as of Friday, police "now know who the deceased woman was for sure," said Peters.

He declined to discuss why identification took several days, citing "concern for the victim's family."

Police had previously said the woman was the victim of a homicide, which is an umbrella term that covers both murder and the lesser offence of manslaughter, but Peters confirmed on Friday she was murdered.​

Funny and fearless

McCormick's family, friends, co-workers and patients are still reeling from the news of her death.

"To know Cindy was to love Cindy," her obituary states. "She was very outgoing, well-spoken and full of life; funny, fearless and always with a new color in her hair.

"Her co-workers enjoyed working with her, her patients found her to be kind and gentle, her friends and family loved her for her wild side as well as her humble nature," it states.

"She had a beautiful smile that lit up the room and everyone who had the privilege to meet her and benefit from that smile directed at them will miss this wonderful woman with her gentle soul, and her amazing zest for life."

Visitation will be held on Sunday at Fundy Funeral Home from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m.

A memorial service will be held at River Cross Church on Monday at 1 p.m., followed by a private family interment at Fernhill Cemetery.

Vigil plans being finalized

Plans for a candlelight vigil in memory of McCormick are still being finalized, said Erica Grutzner, a friend and one of the organizers.

"It's all about celebrating her life and the joy she brought to us," she said.

Grutzner hopes the vigil will be held some time next week, after the funeral.

"We would like to have it as soon as possible, to allow everyone to grieve," she said.

The tentative location is on the city's east side, at a beach along First Lake in Baxters Corner that local residents call Florida Beach.

"Cindy was known to spend a lot of time in that lake swimming and kayaking and then in the winter skating and snowshoeing," said Grutzner.

But the parking lot can only accommodate about 25 vehicles, so a bigger location might be needed, given the number of people who have already expressed interest in attending, she said.

A Facebook group for the vigil has been viewed more than 1,500 times and has attracted 163 members.

An Anglican minister from a church McCormick attended has been invited to say a prayer at the event and organizers also hope to have some musicians and singers perform.

"Cindy loved music, she loved singing. Any excuse to have a karaoke party for anyone's birthday or any occasions, she was there," said Grutzner.

"She was always someone who was wonderful to be around — full of life, full of fun."