Two brothers charged with first-degree murder in the shooting of an 18-year-old Dartmouth teen in October will not be released on bail.
On Dec. 31 in the Windsor courthouse, Supreme Court Justice Gregory Warner denied bail applications submitted by both Kyle Brian Gowen, 22, and his brother, Steven Shaun Gowen, 21.
Warner told the court he spent a lot of time reviewing relevant case law and the facts presented during the bail hearings for the two men before reaching a decision. He said he prepared a 50-page explanation of his decision, which he summarized in court.
Warner explained that a person can be kept in custody if detention is necessary to ensure his or her attendance at future court proceedings, if his or her release could threaten the public safety or if there is a chance the accused would tamper with the ongoing investigation if granted bail.
The Gowens’ defence lawyer Brian Bailey requested a publication ban be placed on all evidence presented at the bail hearings, which began Dec. 8 and were carried over to Dec. 21. Warner enforced the ban while detailing the reasons why he feels it is imperative the brothers remain in jail.
The Gowen’s mother, Susan, wept in court as her sons were escorted out of the room, surrounded by six deputy sheriffs. Steven Gowen left first and, as he was led down a flight of stairs to a temporary holding cell, an individual with a deep voice could be heard asking someone to keep their head down. Kyle Gowen, who is forbidden from communicating with his brother, attempted to speak to Steven but was restrained by three sheriffs. Their father, Brian Gowen, left the room.
Following the proceeding, Bailey told reporters the Gowens’ parents are shocked their sons have been accused of committing first-degree murder, a crime that carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison, with no eligibility for parole for 25 years.
Steven Gowen faces an additional charge of accessory to murder in the case.
Crown prosecutor Alison Brown said she agreed with Warner’s decision to deny the suspects’ application for bail, and felt he provided a thorough explanation of his reasons for doing so.
Amanda Allison Greene, 18, is also charged with the first-degree murder of Jewett. Greene, who is still in custody, is Jewett’s ex-girlfriend. It is alleged from information gathered on her Facebook account that Greene and Kyle Gowen also dated.
Jewett’s body was discovered in the East Uniacke Quarry by ATV riders Oct. 3.
A date is expected to be set for a preliminary inquiry on Jan. 13.
