Arlene Westervelt, 56, died three years ago at the Okanagan Lake.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Le Necrologue
April 15, 2019 - 5:00 PM
KELOWNA - A Lake Country man accused of killing his wife nearly three years ago is out on bail.
Lambertus Westervelt, 63, appeared in Kelowna Supreme Court today, April 15, and he was granted bail. The reasons and conditions of the bail, along with any evidence presented during the proceedings, are protected under a publication ban.
Westervelt is charged with the second-degree murder of his wife Arlene. Arlene's death was originally believed to be accidental, but a lengthy police investigation led to a murder charge against Westervelt on April 6.
Arlene, who worked for years as a nurse, drowned in the Okanagan Lake on June 26, 2016 while canoeing and picnicking. She was found 30 metres from shore the next day. She was 56.
Westervelt's bail hearing was originally set for the morning of April 15, but due to an administrative mix-up, he was sent back to the Okanagan Correctional Centre before his appointed court time. He returned in the afternoon.
The courtroom was filled with friends and family of the accused and the deceased. Don Hennig, 77, was Arlene's uncle. He was very close to her and he plans to attend court regularly.
"I want justice," he said. "Arlene had an outstanding personality."
Westervelt is scheduled to appear in court again on May 13.
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