Friends of a North Vancouver woman who died following an altercation Jan. 25 said the family was failed by a system that was unable to help them.
Friends spoke outside of North Vancouver provincial court this week as they waited to find out if 19-year-old Alex Joseph Lefkove would be granted bail.
Lefkove has been charged with manslaughter in the death of his mother Christine Grube Lefkove, 58, who died following an altercation at her apartment on East First Street.
On Wednesday, provincial court Judge Steven Merrick denied Lefkove release on bail, ordering that he remain in custody while the case is dealt with by the court.
Family friend Jeanette Sha, who came to the bail hearing at the court on Tuesday, said Christine Lefkove struggled as a single mother to help her son, who spent many of his teen years under government care.
The family “fell through the cracks” in the social service system, said Sha.
Lefkove had gone to live with his father in the United States at one point, said Sha, but later returned and was placed in government care again.
Lefkove had been living in a group home but had recently “aged out” of the social services system after he turned 19 last month.
Outside of court, Hollis Lucky, Lefkove’s defence lawyer, described the circumstances of the case as “unique and tragic.”
Christine Lefkove had suffered some serious health problems in recent years, which had resulted in hospitalization at times, had struggled with alcohol abuse and was physically frail, said friends.
Brenda Bolton, a friend who worked with Christine Lefkove when both were flight attendants with Wardair, said she was satisfied with the judge’s decision to deny bail.
Bolton said friends had tried to help the family over the years but to no avail.
“The whole thing is just so sad,” she said.
Alex Lefkove sat in the prisoner’s dock with his head down throughout much of the bail hearing.
A publication ban imposed by the judge prevents publication of any details heard at the bail hearing or reasons for the judge’s decision.
North Vancouver RCMP were called to 102 - 312 East First St. in North Vancouver just after 6 p.m. Jan. 25 after a local resident called 9-1-1 to report hearing a dispute and possible assault taking place in a nearby apartment.
Police arrived and forced their way into the apartment where they found Christine Lefkove. She was rushed to hospital and put on life support, but died of her injuries in hospital about 24 hours later.
When police arrived at Christine Lefkove’s apartment, they spotted a man escaping over the apartment balcony. The man – who police identified as Alex Lefkove - was arrested following a short foot chase.
Outside the court, Sha said she wasn’t sure if she should come to the bail hearing but wanted to be there to show support for her friend. “I miss her,” she said.
None of the allegations has been proven in court. Alex Lefkove has not yet entered a plea. His next court date is set for Feb. 10 when he is expected to appear by video.
