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’s Shelter 24/7 support line at 250-763-1040 or text 236-970-0704. In an emergency, call 911.
A Kelowna man facing first-degree murder for the death of his estranged ex-wife has waived his right to a preliminary inquiry.
James Plover is forgoing his right to a pre-trial court hearing for charges against him after a violent assault killed his ex-wife Bailey McCourt and injured another in a Kelowna parking lot on July 4, 2025. The charge was upgraded to first-degree murder on Nov. 25, 2025.
The decision was confirmed by BC Prosecution Services in an email on Feb. 13 and means prosecutors do not have to prove to a judge there is enough evidence for a trial to go ahead.
Plover is expected back in court March 2 to schedule the trial.
Plover was found guilty of choking and uttering threats stemming from an intimate partner violence incident on July 4, 2025 for an incident about a year prior.
Several hours after Plover was found guilty, McCourt was attacked in a daytime violent assault. McCourt and another woman who was also attacked were taken to hospital with injuries, where McCourt later died. Plover was pursued by police following the reported assault and was arrested a few kilometres away on Glenmore Road.
Plover was not in custody at the time of McCourt’s death and was instead bound by the same “extensive protective conditions” from his release in 2024, along with a $500 bond, while awaiting his sentencing.
The accused was sentenced to 12 months for choking his ex-wife, but with credit given for time served, Plover had just 147 days left when the hearing took place Nov. 27, 2025.
-with files from Jen Zielinski and Jordy Cunningham
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