Trial for men accused in Maple Batalia’s death delayed again
Posted March 1, 2016 9:13 am.
Last Updated March 1, 2016 3:19 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
NEW WESTMINSTER (NEWS 1130) – Another trial delay means more pain for the family of Maple Batalia, who was gunned down outside SFU Surrey more than four years ago.
The trial for two men accused in the death of 19-year-old Maple Batalia was set to begin today but has been adjourned until Thursday.
The Crown says the impacts of this case have already been hard, so they want to reduce further pain as much as possible. This latest delay is so lawyers can work to cut down the witness list.
Maple’s father, Harry Batalia came out of court today in tears.
“Beyond explanation. It’s too hard for us. A long wait… it’s gone four and a half years now,” he says. “Every day we think, what will happen? What will happen? Will we ever get any justice? I don’t know.”
Other family members hugged each other in support.
Batalia was walking to her car after a night study session when she was shot and she later died in hospital.
Batalia’s ex-boyfriend, Gurjinder Dhaliwal is charged with first-degree murder. Gursimar Bedi is charged with manslaughter and accessory after the fact. Both men will be tried together and it’s expected to be by a judge, not a jury.
It’s been four long years for the family and a petition they started last year has thousands of signatures, calling for better victim support and faster scheduling of court dates so the process doesn’t drag on.
