Friends and family of Arlene Westervelt call for justice

Might an uncommon courtroom utility by a non-public citizen revive the prosecution in an Okanagan case?

That’s what family and friends of Arlene Westervelt are hoping for.

On Friday, almost six years after Arlene Westervelt’s physique was pulled from Okanagan Lake, supporters of the 56-year-old nurse stood on the steps of the Kelowna courthouse to name for justice.

“We travelled throughout Canada to attempt to push this case ahead,” mentioned household good friend Deborah Johnston.

“There are such a lot of unanswered questions.”

Arlene’s husband Bert reported her demise as an unintentional drowning whereas the couple was on a canoe journey.

Nevertheless, in 2019 Bert Westervelt was charged with second-degree homicide in his spouse’s demise.

That cost was later stayed earlier than it received to a preliminary inquiry.

“That course of was stayed inexplicably: no proof, no solutions have been given to the household as to why,” mentioned Shelley Westervelt, Arlene’s sister-in-law.

Crown council mentioned the keep of proceedings was as a consequence of new proof.

However Arlene’s family and friends are adamant the case ought to have its day in courtroom.

“This all has to undergo the courts. Isn’t that what our justice system is all about?” mentioned Arlene’s sister Debbie Hennig.

“Sure, you’re harmless till confirmed responsible, completely, however have the proof come ahead and clear your identify.”

Family and friends got here from throughout the nation to be on the Kelowna courthouse for an uncommon listening to.

Don Matheson, a former RCMP officer, has made purposes to the courtroom he hopes will revive the prosecution on this case.

“Justice is meant to be seen to be achieved. It’s not taking place right here,” mentioned Matheson.

The small print of Matheson’s utility are usually not public and Friday’s courtroom listening to occurred in-camera with out the general public or media current.

However family and friends are pinning their hopes for a trial on Matheson’s purposes.

“Arlene didn’t deserve this. I’m not going to cease till I get justice for her and it must be heard and it must be heard in a courtroom of legislation. The choose and jury will determine on the proof,” mentioned Hennig.

Bert Westervelt has denied killing his spouse and maintains his innocence.

The applying listening to is ready to be again in courtroom in mid-July to repair a date for additional courtroom appearances.

The BC Prosecution Service says it could actually’t touch upon the purposes “because the purposes have been heard in digital camera and are the topic of publication bans.”

–with information from Jules Knox