Two Men Convicted of First-Degree Murder in 2022 Whistler Gang Shooting

Liam O'Connell

9/30/20262 min read

Two men have been convicted of first-degree murder following a four-week jury trial over a deadly 2022 shooting in Whistler that investigators linked to an ongoing gang conflict.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said a jury found Gursimran Sahota, 29, and Tanvir Khakh, 25, guilty of first-degree murder in the killing of 28-year-old Meninder Dhaliwal.

Sahota was also convicted of second-degree murder in the death of 36-year-old Satindera Gill.

The trial concluded on Sept. 25.

Shooting Happened in Whistler Village

The killings took place at approximately 12:19 p.m. PT on July 24, 2022, in the 4300 block of Sundial Crescent in Whistler Village.

Police were called after reports that two men had been shot.

One of the victims died at the scene, while the second was transported to hospital and later died.

IHIT said investigators determined the shooting was targeted.

“Investigators determined that the shooting was targeted and related to the ongoing gang conflict,” the homicide team said.

Different Verdicts in Gill’s Death

While both Sahota and Khakh were convicted of first-degree murder in Dhaliwal’s death, the jury reached a different outcome in relation to Gill.

Sahota was found guilty of second-degree murder.

Before jurors began deliberating, the trial judge directed that Khakh be acquitted in connection with Gill’s homicide.

IHIT did not provide further details about the evidence behind the differing outcomes.

First-Degree Murder Carries Automatic Life Sentence

In Canada, a conviction for first-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence with no eligibility to apply for parole for 25 years.

Both Sahota and Khakh therefore face life sentences for Dhaliwal’s murder.

Second-degree murder also carries a mandatory life sentence, though the period before a person becomes eligible to apply for parole can vary.

IHIT said the jury recommended that Sahota serve 20 years before becoming eligible for parole on the second-degree murder conviction involving Gill.

The final sentencing decision rests with the judge.

Sentencing Hearing Expected

A sentencing hearing for Sahota and Khakh is expected to take place in the coming weeks.

The convictions bring the prosecution phase of the case to a close more than four years after the fatal daytime shooting in the heart of Whistler Village.

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