Second rally for Roxanne

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Another rally for Roxanne Louie was held at the Penticton courthouse, Wednesday.

The brother and sister facing charges for their alleged involvement in the death of Roxanne Louie appeared by video in Penticton court Wednesday.

As court heard information on what is next for the pair, another rally seeking justice for Louie, a 26-year-old Osoyoos Indian Band member, unfolded outside.

"We are here to support the family and seek justice and get answers the family needs in this tragedy," said Coola Louis, a Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs women's representative.

It was standing room only in the courtroom, where Grace Robotti and Pier Robotti appeared by video.

The matter was set over to Monday, to deal with an application that the pair not communicate.

James Pennington, Grace Robottis' lawyer, said the defence has not received any disclosure, and it is now three weeks since the pair were taken into custody.

At the rally, there was drumming and supporters carried signs and wore pins featuring Roxanne's face with the word "Justice."

Louie's cousin, Theresa Gabriel, said the Robottis must be held accountable.

Louie, a single mother who was living in Vancouver, always made time to see her ex-partner's side of the family, said Gabriel. That family included Grace Robotti, her son's great grandmother.

"She maintained a relationship with that side of the family and made sure her son did as well," she said. "They weren't estranged, but Grace was concerned when Roxanne first moved to Vancouver."

Gabriel also believed the two families were in the process of formalizing custody of Louie's son.

Penticton Indian Band Chief Jonathan Kruger, as well as Coun. Joseph Pierre were at the rally to show support.

"I want to see justice done and make sure I know what is going on with the proceedings," said Pierre. "We want to show that murdered and missing women have a voice."

Louie was reported missing in early January after failing to show up at Penticton Regional Airport for a flight back to Vancouver. A search ended with the discovery of her body between Naramata and Chute Lake, according to a family spokeswoman. The RCMP has not confirmed where the discovery was made.

Grace Robotti is charged with second-degree murder, while Pier Robotti was charged with being an accessory after the fact and indignity to a body.