Alleged killer of Kelowna woman issued new charge in Pitt Meadows<\/p>\n
Published 9:17 am Thursday, July 23, 2026<\/p>\n
This article discusses intimate partner violence and may be triggering to some readers. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or abuse contact the Kelowna Women\u2019s Shelter 24\/7 support line at 250-763-1040 or text 236-970-0704. In an emergency, call 911.<\/p>\n
Accused killer James Plover is facing a new charge. <\/p>\n
The Kelowna man accused of killing his estranged ex-wife Bailey McCourt in a brazen daytime attack on July 4, 2025 is facing a new charge for failing to comply with a no contact order. <\/p>\n
The offence is alleged to have occurred Sept. 24, 2025 in Pitt Meadows. The charge was laid on Apr. 30 and Plover appeared at the Judicial Case Manager\u2019s office on July 22 to fix a future court date. <\/p>\n
At the time of the alleged new offence, Plover was in custody for charges related to the death of McCourt. <\/p>\n
On the day of McCourt\u2019s death, Plover had been found guilty of assault by choking and three counts of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm from an incident in 2024 at the Kelowna Courthouse. Plover was not held in custody after the guilty verdict and was free to leave the courthouse with a future date for sentencing.<\/p>\n
Hours after the verdict, Plover is alleged to have killed McCourt and severely injured her coworker, Carrie Wiebe, outside the victims\u2019 workplace. Plover fled the scene in a vehicle and was arrested in Lake Country the same day after a police chase ensued. <\/p>\n
On Nov. 27, 2025, Plover was sentenced to 12 months for the 2024 charges, but had only 147 days left after time served.<\/p>\n
Plover is forgoing his right to a pre-trial hearing for the charges related to McCourt\u2019s death. The accused was originally charged with second-degree murder, but the charges were upgraded to first-degree murder on Nov. 25, 2025.<\/p>\n