Slain Model's Family Wants Jasmine Fiore Remembered as 'Wholesome'

Husband charged with murder still thought to be in Canada, possibly with mother.

ByABC News
August 19, 2009, 8:00 AM

Aug. 21, 2009— -- A Canada-wide provisional warrant has now been officially issued for the arrest of 32 year-old Ryan Jenkins, the reality-television contestant wanted in connection with the murder of his 28-year-old wife, Jasmine Fiore.

Fiore, a former swimsuit model who appeared in Playboy magazine, was found murdered and mutilated in Buena Park, Calif., last week, her teeth and fingertips removed in an apparent effort to prevent identification. Ultimately, she was identified by the serial number on her breast implants, The Associated Press reported today.

Jenkins, 32, once a contestant on VH1's "Megan Wants a Millionaire," crossed into Canada days after Jasmine Fiore's body was found stuffed into a suitcase, authorities say.

A Canada-wide provisional warrant has now been officially issued for Jenkins' arrest.

This arrest warrant marks the commencement of an extradition hearing. If the Canadian courts support the decision to extradite, he would be handed over to U.S. authorities toundergo criminal proceedings in the U.S. Courts.

The murder was the culmination of what seemed to be a fast life filled with parties, gambling, drinks and violence.

A source told ABC News that Jenkins -- who in June was arrested on domestic violence charges after allegedly hitting Fiore -- allegedly strangled her after a "blow-out fight" during a trip to San Diego. Her body was found Aug. 15.

Gwendolyn Beauregard, a family friend whom Fiore had considered a second mother, told "Good Morning America" today that she was concerned for Fiore's safety "because it seems to me that being in Los Angeles and being exposed as a model and being in Las Vegas is really swimming with the sharks."

But Beauregard said she was unaware that Fiore's relationship with Jenkins was violent. She said that when she last saw Fiore in the spring, she was excited about her new relationship.

"She was really excited. She told me she was in love and that she'd met this wonderful man from Canada," Beauregard said. "And that it was love at first sight."

Now, she said, Jasmine's mother is "grieving terribly" for her daughter, added Beauregard.

The family, she said, wanted everyone to remember the former swimsuit model as a wholesome "girl next door."

"I would like people to know that Jasmine was refined. She was kind, she was generous, she was loving, she was friendly to everyone," Beauregard said. "She was wholesome, and that's how I want her to be remembered."

Fiore's former boyfriend Robert Hasman had harsh words for her alleged killer at a press conference with her family.

"Ryan Jenkins," he said, "is an animal."

Authorities are looking to the possibility that Jenkins may be heading to his mother's house in Vancouver. If he is arrested in Canada, he will only be returned to the U.S. if prosecutors do not seek the death penalty.