The family of a Lake Country woman whose husband was charged with her murder has hired a lawyer to help in their search for justice, and he believes there could be more evidence that should still be collected in the case.

Arlene Westervelt’s family says she died under suspicious circumstances on June 26, 2016. Her husband was charged with second-degree murder but those charges were later stayed.

On July 14, the B.C. Prosecution Service declared it would no longer be pursuing a criminal charge against the 63-year-old Okanagan man. 

"Water wasn't one of her favourite things but she did know how to swim," friend Cathy Vissia told Global News on Monday.

The man accused of killing his wife in Lake Country three years ago made his first court appearance in Kelowna on Monday morning.