The wait for justice for Kaylie Smith remains pending after court Tuesday morning.

Phillip Rivard-Gagnon remains incarcerated at the North Bay and District Jail following Tuesday morning’s video conference call at the Temiskaming Shores Superior Court of Justice (formerly Haileybury).

Police say Rivard-Gagnon, 18, attacked a 16-year-old (identified by family and friends as Kaylie Smith) in Cobalt on November 3. Investigation revealed that an 18-year-old man driving a sport utility vehicle struck a 16-year-old woman who was walking along Helen Street.

The man then got out of the vehicle and attacked the victim with a sword. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital, then airlifted by Ornge (air ambulance) to a city in Ottawa where he is now in stable condition.

Rivard-Gagnon is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and violation of a suspended sentence order.

Gracie Kennedy is angry and frustrated with the legal process.

The 18-year-old Tri-Town resident was among about a dozen protesters outside Superior Court Tuesday morning.

Kennedy and her supporters were demanding that Gagnon not be released on bail, because she and her friends are afraid if Gagnon is released from prison before his trial.

“If he is released on bail, young girls in this city will not feel safe,” Kennedy says. “How are we supposed to feel safe knowing that the system that’s supposed to keep us safe, keeping people off the streets who commit heinous crimes like this, how are we supposed to feel safe if Should they release them?”

Kennedy said this type of situation is part of a larger societal problem.

“How are we supposed to feel safe if we get hit by our boyfriend, if we get hit by a car by some crazy guy, how are we supposed to know that we’re going to get justice?,” Kennedy asked.

Kessie Pellerin says Kaylie is her best friend and Pellerin, who claims to also know the suspect, says justice for Kaylie must be served.

“No one deserved what happened to him, especially all the horrible things. Phil (Rivard-Gagnon) must be incarcerated and she must have the assurance that something like this will not happen again,” said Pellerin.

Pellerin told media that the suspect talked to her boyfriend and others about doing something “bad” like this.

Kailey Kennedy, sign in hand, was also present at the courthouse Tuesday.

Kennedy, a family friend, said a recent candlelight vigil for Kaylie Smith was emotional.

“It was beautiful, a reverend came and she said a prayer, and we raised our candles high for her,” Kennedy says. “She was on the phone, so she saw everything.”

A GoFundMe created for Kaylie Smith which has exceeded the $96,000 mark. The goal is $100,000.

The next videoconference at the Temiskaming Shores Superior Court of Justice for Phillip Rivard-Gagnon will take place on November 26 at 9:30 a.m.

Some protesters, who could be heard chanting “common sense, no bail” in the courtroom during the hearing, told media they would be back at every hearing.