NEW WESTMINSTER (NEWS 1130) – Four and a half years after her death, Maple Batalia’s killer has been handed life in prison with no chance of parole for 21 years.

Last week, Gurjinder Dhaliwal entered a surprise guilty plea to second-degree murder in the death of his ex-girlfriend. The 19-year-old woman was gunned down at SFU’s Surrey campus four and a half years ago.

Dhaliwal was originally charged with first-degree murder.

Family and friends read their victim impact statements today, many sobbing and barely able to get their words out. There were tears throughout the courtroom as people listened to how this loss affected multiple lives. Many described not being able to sleep, eat or even go on with their regular routine.

Maple’s mother Sarbjit Batalia spoke last in Punjabi. Through a translator the court heard her say her life is pointless now, everything feels like a burden, and she wishes she had been the one who was killed instead of her daughter.

Mrs. Batalia described the agony of having to sit through court date after court date, not knowing whether justice would be served. At some points, she sobbed, turned around and directed her comments at Dhaliwal who sat expressionless. She begged him to tell her why he killed “her Maple.”

The young woman’s father, Harry Batalia, described Maple as his “angel” and said she was the glue that held the family together. He asked what was gained by taking an innocent life and added no father should have to out live his daughter.

Mr. Batalia also turned to Dhaliwal and said “Gary you may have hurt us but you have not defeated us” one day you will have to answer to Maple. He ended by saying “your actions are unforgivable” to Dhaliwal.

In total, eight statements were read in court. Friends and family described a kind, generous and smart young woman who had a lot of potential.

Dhaliwal was given the opportunity to speak, he stood up and read a brief statement off a piece of paper. He apologized to the Batalia family and friends and admitted to doing a terrible thing. The man also apologized to his own family, who his lawyer says has been supportive of his plea.

The Crown and defence jointly asked for parole eligibility to come after 21 years. The judge acknowledged that was a high number but because both sides agreed to it, he believed it was a fit sentence. Some of the aggrevating factors submitted by Crown included the fact that Maple was within her right to break-up with Mr. Dhaliwal and in Canada everyone has that right.

This comes after last week court heard the two had dated for four years before Maple broke it off. Dhaliwal committed the crime in a jealous rage after confronting her twice and sending thousands of text messages.

“Maple can finally rest in peace, knowing she got some justice,” Rosaline Batalia, the victim’s sister, told reporters outside court.

The co-accused in the case, Gursimar Bedi, is charged with manslaughter and accessory after the fact. His trial is set to proceed Tuesday.