Noyes stays silent during court appearance

Kimberly Ruth Noyes was taken into custody by RCMP in Grand Forks, B.C. in connection with the murder of 12-year-old John Fulton on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 (RCMP)

The woman accused of killing a 12-year-old autistic boy in British Columbia's southern Interior appeared briefly in court in Nelson Thursday afternoon.

Keeping her jacket over her head, Kimberly Noyes, 42, stayed silent and ignored reporter's questions as she entered the courtroom.

A judge ruled the mother of three will be transported to the Surrey Pretrial Centre, where she will be held until her next court appearance September 2, at which time she will appear in Nelson court by video link. No plea was entered.

Noyes was charged with second degree murder Wednesday, two days after the body of John Fulton was found inside her Grand Forks townhome. Noyes was the boy's neighbour.

The RCMP has confirmed Noyes suffers from bipolar disorder, and neighbours say the recently divorced mother had become depressed and despondent in recent months -- mostly staying inside and not answering the door.

Her ex-husband, Stacy Burnett, told CTV News the health care community failed her by not adequately addressing her problems.

"I blame it all on mental health," Burnett said. "They backtrack, and say they were doing all they could, but you know, they could have done more."

Grand Forks mayor Brian Taylor says the tragedy has shaken up their tight-knit community.

Friends and family turned out to a candlelight vigil Tuesday night to show support over the passing of a particularly vulnerable young child.

"It's a loss of innocence for the community," Taylor said. "The mothers are nervous about letting their kids out of their sight."

Neighbours described Fulton as a happy, upbeat kid who enjoyed playing with the other children in the complex. He was looking forward to entering Grade 8 in the fall.