UPDATE: Victim’s family reacts to guilty verdict in murder trial

An uncle of Roxanne Louie says the guilty verdict is not the final step in the healing process.

Dan Wilson and the Okanagan Nation Alliance have released a statement following the conviction of Grace Robotti for second-degree murder.

“Though this verdict is a part of moving towards justice for Roxanne, it is important to highlight the systemic discrimination, racism and oppression that continues to be placed on indigenous peoples and communities through such legal cases as these,” said Wilson. “Overall, we want to thank the jury for the sacrifice and hard work in dealing with these difficult issues.”

A spokesperson for the ONA says a true sense of justice will never be served by a court.

“Though a National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women was launched by the federal government these gestures must be met with meaningful action,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip. “The Province of BC and the Federal Governments must take steps to end the systemic discrimination and racism that is at the root of epidemic of  violence perpetrated on Indigenous women and girls in staggering numbers.”

In the release, Roger Hall, the father of Roxanne Louie states: “We cannot look for justice here, we will have justice when we walk on our own path, our own road.”

UPDATE – 9:25 p.m. Thursday

A jury has found Grace Robotti guilty of second degree murder in the death of her great-grandson’s mother, Roxanne Louie.

Deliberations began Thursday.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 18.

Robotti’s brother, Pier, had already been dealt with by the courts, but a publication ban prevented any reporting on the outcome.

The 62-year-old was accused of being an accessory after the fact to murder and committing an indignity to a body.

READ MORE: Accused killer Grace Robotti takes the stand

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: An uncle of Roxanne Louie says the guilty verdict is not the final step in the healing process.</p><p>Dan Wilson and the Okanagan Nation Alliance have released a statement following the conviction of Grace Robotti for second-degree murder.</p><p>"Though this verdict is a part of moving towards justice for Roxanne, it is important to highlight the systemic discrimination, racism and oppression that continues to be placed on indigenous peoples and communities through such legal cases as these," said Wilson. "Overall, we want to thank the jury for the sacrifice and hard work in dealing with these difficult issues."</p><p>A spokesperson for the ONA says a true sense of justice will never be served by a court.</p><p>"Though a National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women was launched by the federal government these gestures must be met with meaningful action," said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip. "The Province of BC and the Federal Governments must take steps to end the systemic discrimination and racism that is at the root of epidemic of  violence perpetrated on Indigenous women and girls in staggering numbers."</p><p>In the release, Roger Hall, the father of Roxanne Louie states: "We cannot look for justice here, we will have justice when we walk on our own path, our own road."</p><p><strong>UPDATE - 9:25 p.m. Thursday</strong></p><p>A jury has found Grace Robotti guilty of second degree murder in the death of her great-grandson's mother, Roxanne Louie.</p><p>Deliberations began Thursday.</p><p>Sentencing is scheduled for April 18.</p><p>Robotti's brother, Pier, had already been dealt with by the courts, but a publication ban prevented any reporting on the outcome.</p><p>The 62-year-old was accused of being an accessory after the fact to murder and committing an indignity to a body.</p><p><strong>READ MORE: <a href="http://globalnews.ca/news/3347435/accused-killer-grace-robotti-takes-the-stand/" target="_blank">Accused killer Grace Robotti takes the stand</a></strong>

Louie was the mother of Robotti’s great-grandson. Louie was in Penticton in January 2015 when an altercation over how the three-year-old boy should be cared for turned deadly.

During her trial, which began March 21 in Kelowna court, Robotti admitted to killing Louie by striking her with a crowbar several times.

Robotti said she took the crowbar from Louie, who threatened her with it first. She has pleaded not guilty to second degree murder and claims the killing was in self-defence.

READ MORE: Robotti cross-examined in Kelowna second-degree murder trial

Louie’s death was caused by at least 26 blows to the head.

While Robotti cleaned up the bloody scene her brother disposed of the body in the woods near Naramata.

The pair confessed to police a week after the killing.

READ MORE: Brother of accused killer testifies at murder trial

Robotti’s fate is now in the hands of the jury.

– With files from Kimberly Davidson and Blaine Gaffney