Kelowna, B.C., man accused of killing estranged wife with hammer makes court appearance

Supporters of slain Kelowna woman Bailey McCourt gathered in support as accused murderer James Plover made first court appearance.

James Plover, the man charged with second-degree murder for allegedly beating his estranged wife Bailey McCourt to death with a hammer in a Kelowna parking lot on July 4, appeared in court via video link on Tuesday.

Outside the courthouse, dozens of McCourt’s family, friends and supporters gathered for a memorial walk and rally to honour the mother of two whose life was cut short.

“We are here to honour Bailey and support her family in bail reform and raising awareness of abuse that happens within families,” said attendee Tannis Trevor-Smith.

Plover was convicted of domestic violence charges just hours before he allegedly killed McCourt. He was free to go as he awaited sentencing. That’s something McCourt’s family and supporters say needs to change.

They’re pushing the federal government to pass “Bailey’s Law.” which calls for GPS monitoring for people convicted of domestic violence charges who are awaiting sentencing, a domestic violence offender registry, and tougher penalties for intimate partner homicides where there is a documented history of abuse.

“It is time that the system changes for women. We have waited far too long,” said Karen Fehr, Bailey’s mother who attended the rally outside the courthouse.

Advocates are encouraged by the reception they have been getting from all levels of government.

“I am seeing Bailey’s Law everywhere. I am seeing people talking about the bail reform requirements, I am seeing the MLAs, I am seeing the MPs. I am seeing people that generally don’t go into the domestic violence space, they are speaking about it and speaking loudly about it,” said Shannon Christensen, the founder and CEO of Mamas for Mamas.

“We’ve got enough support from several levels of government that I really truly hope, and I have to believe that as our voices keep being heard, that they are hearing us and there will be change coming,” said Kelowna business owner Libby Phillips.

The advocates say the community support has also been overwhelming.

“People are starting to pay attention,” said Christensen.

“They’re starting to realize it’s not something that happens in a faraway place they have never heard of. It happens in their next-door neighbour’s house, it happens to their sister, it happens to their best friend.”

Plover’s court appearance was brief, with both the domestic violence and murder charges adjourned until November. As he moves through the system, McCourt’s supporters vow to be there every step of the way advocating for justice.

“As long as we are loud, something will happen,” said Phillips.

“Push for change,” added Bailey’s mother. “Any little bit is going to help. Put the advocacy out there right in their face to do this.”