KENORA — A small group of protesters with signs reading “Justice for Mekhi” gathered outside the Kenora courthouse on Friday.
Inside, a hearing took place to decide whether the woman charged with accessory after the fact to the murder of Mekhi Pelly should be released on bail.
That afternoon, the 43-year-old Kenora woman was granted bail, with conditions.
She is one of two people charged in connection with Pelly’s death. Terrance Cherry, 24, from Kenora, is charged with first-degree murder charge.
Pelly, also known as Mekhi Scott, went missing in October 2025 and his remains were found in late November.
“He was only 21. He didn’t deserve to go, he was just starting out in life,” said Lori Copenace, a close friend to Pelly. She started the Facebook page Bring Mekhi Home.
She describes the young man from Grassy Narrows First Nation as funny, caring and protective of everyone who loved him.
Copenace spoke with Newswatch over the phone from outside the courthouse Friday morning, one of about 15 people protesting the hearing.
Copenace said the accused was supposed to attend in person, but the family was informed that they didn’t want to bring her in person because they felt like her safety was compromised.
“It’s not like we’re going to do anything,” Copenace said. “It’s a peaceful protest, so I don’t know why they’re so scared. It’s not like we’re going to do anything to her.”
She said she had hoped that the court would consider the family and friends.
“I met him when he was just a teenager. Then he came and lived with us for a couple of years.”
She said she considered Pelly one of her good friends.
All Copenace wanted was to see “justice served to the people that harmed him.”
The evidence heard in Friday’s bail hearing is subject to a publication ban.
None of the allegations against either accused have been proven in court.
