Accused killer gets bail
Sam McGowan was stabbed to death near his Surrey home last month. The teen charged with his murder was granted bail Thursday.
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Updated: September 03, 2009 11:56 AM
Michelle Proulx was overcome with grief and outrage after a Surrey Provincial Court judge approved bail for the 14-year-old charged with killing her boyfriend, 42-year-old Sam McGowan.
She fled the courthouse after Judge Gurmail Gill announced his decision Thursday morning, accompanied by her family and friends as she stormed out.
Once outside, Proulx wanted to go back inside, apparently determined to say something to the family of the accused killer.
A friend stopped her.
"Don't screw it up," a supporter told Proulx.
The details of the bail hearing and the terms of the teen's release cannot be reported because of a court-imposed publication ban.
Generally, bail is granted unless a prosecutor can prove the release of an accused person would pose a danger to the public, or the person would be likely to flee, or the release of the accused would undermine public confidence in the justice system.
The 14-year-old boy was charged with second-degree murder after McGowan was stabbed to death a block from his Guildford home near 149 Street and 90 Avenue on Aug. 5.
There were reports at the time that McGowan was pursuing someone who had stolen a cell phone from his son.
At the beginning of the two days of bail hearings, Proulx had said approving the teenager's release pending his trial would send a poor message.
"If they're going to let this kid walk in a situation like this, it's basically telling other kids that, hey, it's okay, we can't do anything, go ahead."
dferguson@surreyleader.com
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