Members of the Okanagan Nation protest in front of Penticton Courthouse on September 21, 2015. The preliminary inquiry of two accused in the murder of Roxanne Louie began this morning, Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016.
Image Credit: File photo
February 02, 2016 - 1:45 PM
PENTICTON - The gallery of a Penticton courtroom was filled today, Feb. 2, as the preliminary inquiry of the two people charged with the murder of Roxanne Louie began.
The courtroom was full of members of Louie’s family, friends and supporters who gathered to witness court proceedings.
Native drummers played outside as the inquiry got underway.
Members of the Okanagan Nation say Louie is one more missing or murdered Aboriginal woman, and have vowed to continue the rally whenever the trial is proceeding.
Crown Prosecutor Iain Currie said he expected the proceedings to run into next week. A publication ban is in place for the hearing.
Grace Robotti, 67, and Pier Robotti, 63, appeared in court for the first time in several months following their Jan. 11, 2015 arrest for Louie’s murder.
Louie, who was 26 years old, was reported missing by Grace Robotti, after Louie failed to catch a plane back to Vancouver on Jan. 6, 2015. Her body was later found on a logging road above Naramata.
The Robottis surrendered to police on Jan. 11 and were later released on bail. Both of the accused have provided statements to police.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2016