Two men have been convicted of murder in the 2022 shooting deaths of Meninder Dhaliwal and Satindera Gill in Whistler Village, according to a news release from the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.
A jury found Gursimran Sahota, now 29, and Tanvir Khakh, now 25, guilty of first degree murder in the death of Dhaliwal, 28, the release says. Sahota was also found guilty of second degree murder in the death of Gill, 36. Before deliberations began, the trial judge directed the acquittal of Khakh in the death of Gill.
The four week trial at BC Supreme Court in Vancouver began on September 1 and ended with the verdicts on September 25.
On July 24, 2022, just after midday, Sea to Sky RCMP responded to reports of two men shot in the 4300 block of Sundial Crescent in Whistler Village. One victim died at the scene and the other died a short time later in hospital. Officers also found a burning vehicle connected to the shooting in the 3300 block of Ptarmigan Place and arrested several people soon after.
IHIT took over the investigation, working with Sea to Sky RCMP, forensic identification services, the BC Coroners Service and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia. Investigators determined the shooting was targeted and tied to the ongoing gang conflict.
The BC Prosecution Service approved two counts of first degree murder against Sahota and Khakh on July 25, 2022. Both men have remained in custody since their arrests.
A first degree murder conviction carries an automatic life sentence with no parole eligibility for 25 years. Sahota’s second degree murder conviction also carries a life sentence, with the jury recommending he serve 20 years before he can apply for parole. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled in the coming weeks, the release says.
“The quick response and teamwork of Sea to Sky RCMP officers were critical in the early stages of this investigation, and the expertise and dedication of investigators continued throughout the years that followed,” IHIT Sgt. Freda Fong said in the release. “This outcome is a testament to the collective efforts of everyone involved.”
