VIDEO: Relief for friends of Kelowna murder victim as the accused will remain behind bars

Friends and family of a Kelowna murder victim have a little more faith in the justice system today.

The man accused of killing Brianna Hawes (Jankauskas) will remain behind bars while he awaits his next court appearance.

Hawes was found by police in a home on the 300 block of Hardie Road Aug. 21.

She was alive when she was found but later succumbed to her injuries.

After being initially charged with manslaughter in the killing, 38-year-old Brandon Joseph Davina was granted release on bail.

Because he didn't meet the conditions of his bail, Davina was never actually released, but friends and supporters of Hawes found it horrifying.

"One hundred per cent it was," said Jeff Christie. "I've got friends and family that live in the area."

He said he was warning everyone. "If you guys see him, go the other way," said Christie.

And there was concern about activity on dating apps.

"It sounded like he was on a lot of platforms," said J.T. Thordarson. "There was a lot of talk on social media."

Thordarson said a lot of warnings were being shared.

"Warning other women to stay away from him, that he is dangerous," he said.

"So it was a community outcry."

Today, Hawes supporters packed a small courtroom where they learned the charges had been upgraded to second-degree murder, and that Davina would be held in custody without bail.

"That's where he belongs is in custody," Christie said, outside the Kelowna Law Courts.

"This is just one step closer to justice for Brianna," said Christie.

Davina has also been given a no-contact order with a long list of individuals he is prohibited from having any contact with.

Davina was already facing other domestic assault allegations over an incident on Feb. 15, 2022.

It appears the murder charger will likely be headed to trial, as the lawyer for the accused has indicated there will be a not-guilty plea in the case.