The woman who allegedly helped suspected murderer Ryan Jenkins book a room at the Thunderbird Motel in Hope, B.C., has been identified, but her name is not being released, RCMP said yesterday.
Jenkins, who was found hanged in his room on Sunday afternoon, checked in on Thursday with a woman driving a silver PT Cruiser with Alberta licence plates.
The manager of the motel, Kevin Walker, said Jenkins sat in the car while the blonde woman paid $140 in cash for three nights, and then left.
“The woman is now a person of interest in this investigation but she is not considered a risk to public safety,” said RCMP Sgt. Duncan Pound.
“At this time, her identity cannot be revealed as the investigation into her presence and actions at the motel continues.”
Pound said the woman could face charges of accessory to murder after the fact.
Media descended on the Thunderbird Motel after police confirmed the dead man Walker discovered in Room 2 of the secluded highway motel was Ryan Jenkins, the object of a nationwide manhunt who was charged with the murder of his ex-wife, Los Angeles swimsuit model Jasmine Fiore.
Global National reported media were allowed into the room if they paid $500.
Walker said he stopped taking the fee after a few early news crews paid and added that he intends to use some of the money to help clients at the motel, many of whom are on social assistance and struggling with addiction.
“The money I did take made me feel so sh–ty because it’s blood money, but if I can turn it into a better good, I will.”
Walker, a single father who lives with his 16-year-old son at the motel, had stopped charging the fee by yesterday.
