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. Credit: File photo

Preliminary inquiry into Roxanne Louie murder begins

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.

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Steve Arstad

Steve Arstad

I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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