Bailey McCourt is shown in an undated handout selfie photo. The British Columbia Prosecution Service says McCourt's ex-husband, James Plover, who is accused of killing her with a hammer in a Kelowna, B.C., parking lot while on bail, now faces a first-degree murder charge. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout, (Mandatory Credit)

By Vernon Matters Staff

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Murder charge upgraded in death of Bailey McCourt, domestic abuse sentencing to come

Nov 17, 2025 | 5:13 PM

The man who allegedly killed his ex-wife in a Kelowna parking lot last summer is now facing a first-degree murder charge.

The charge against James Plover was upgraded from second-degree murder after new evidence from police.

28 year old Bailey McCourt was killed with a hammer in broad daylight in July.

Plover was on bail at the time.

Plover’s sentencing Monday regarding previous domestic-abuse convictions handed down just hours before the alleged murder, was reserved by the judge.

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That will be on November 27.

Earlier, McCourt’s family had urged the public to fill the courtroom in pink as they honoured her memory and push for justice-system changes under the proposed Bailey’s Law.

With files from The Canadian Press.