Jury convicts two men of first-degree murder in fatal Whistler shooting
Gursimran Sahota and Tanvir Khakh found guilty in July 2022 killing outside Sundial Hotel; jury deliberated just two hours.
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A jury has convicted two men of first-degree murder in the July 22, 2022 shooting outside Whistler's Sundial Hotel that killed Meninder Dhaliwal and wounded Satindera Gill.
Gursimran Sahota, 28, was convicted of first-degree murder in Dhaliwal's death and second-degree murder in Gill's death. Tanvir Khakh, 24, was convicted of first-degree murder in Dhaliwal's death but acquitted of second-degree murder in Gill's death — Justice Miriam Gropper ruled there was insufficient evidence of intent to kill Gill.
The jury deliberated for just two hours before reaching its verdict. The Crown prosecutor, Don Montrichard, led no evidence as to motive but characterized Dhaliwal as the apparent target of the masked gunmen. Dhaliwal was shot multiple times in the head; Gill was shot twice, with one bullet fatal.
Court records show Sahota and Khakh were arrested in a southbound black Chrysler 200 in Squamish less than an hour after the shooting. Both had Dhaliwal's blood on their clothes and shoes at arrest and gunshot residue on their hands and faces. CCTV footage from the hotel captured the shooters arriving and loitering for six minutes before the victims entered the lobby. The black clothing and shoes worn by the killers matched what Sahota and Khakh wore when arrested.
On the second-degree count, the jury recommended Sahota receive a minimum parole ineligibility of 20 years. Both men received automatic life sentences with no parole eligibility for 25 years on the first-degree murder convictions. Sentencing is set for next month. Family members of the victims were present in court, and extra sheriffs were on hand for the verdict.
What was the motive for targeting Dhaliwal?
Why were the other three people arrested with Sahota and Khakh?
Has the Crown indicated what role, if any, the other arrests played in the case?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
Who was killed in the Whistler shooting?
Meninder Dhaliwal was killed in the July 22, 2022 shooting outside the Sundial Hotel in Whistler. Satindera Gill was also shot and wounded in the same incident.
What were the convictions?
Gursimran Sahota, 28, was convicted of first-degree murder in Dhaliwal's death and second-degree murder in Gill's death. Tanvir Khakh, 24, was convicted of first-degree murder in Dhaliwal's death but acquitted of second-degree murder in Gill's death.
How long did the jury take to decide?
The jury deliberated for two hours before reaching its verdict.
