Accused Killer of Bailey McCourt Faces Court as Charges Upgrade

UPDATE: In a tense courtroom scene in Kelowna, B.C., the accused killer of Bailey McCourt, James Plover, faced proceedings today on prior domestic violence charges as his case escalates to first degree murder. Family and friends gathered in overwhelming numbers, dressed in pink, McCourt’s favorite color, to support her family during this critical moment.

Plover, previously convicted of strangulation and uttering threats, was found guilty in July. During today’s sentencing hearing, the prosecution urged for a 16- to 18-month jail term, while the defense requested a mere nine months. The courtroom heard harrowing details of Plover’s violent past, including a chilling threat to kill his victim and a strangulation incident that left them on the verge of unconsciousness.

The atmosphere turned somber as the community grapples with the timeline of events. Just hours after Plover’s July conviction, McCourt—a beloved mother of two—was brutally murdered in a public parking lot. Her friend, Carrie Wiebe, sustained serious injuries in the same attack. McCourt’s father, Shane McCourt, expressed the profound loss: “We don’t want any other family to go through this,” he said, highlighting the emotional toll on their lives.

In a shocking turn, Plover’s murder charge has been upgraded from second degree to first degree, accompanied by a new charge for operating a motor vehicle causing bodily harm. If convicted of first degree murder, he faces an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years.

“We hope that the Crown gets to push this through,” Shane added, emphasizing the family’s resolve to seek justice. Plover is scheduled to return to court on November 25, 2023, for the murder charge, while the sentencing for the prior incident has been adjourned to November 27, 2023.

During the hearing, Plover expressed remorse, stating, “I torture myself every day more than any time you give me…so I accept any time you give me.” However, for McCourt’s family, no sentence can replace the void left by her absence. “Nothing is going to change the fact that Bailey’s not here, and these girls don’t have a mom,” Shane remarked, vowing to attend every court date in honor of his daughter.

As the case continues to develop, the community stands united in mourning, with Bailey’s family determined to ensure her voice is heard. “Bailey would want us here,” Shane concluded, reinforcing their commitment to justice in this heartbreaking saga.

Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.