A 25-year-old man was sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder in a targeted shooting outside a Vancouver golf course. Balraj Singh Basra received the sentence on Tuesday, with no chance of parole for 25 years. B.C. Supreme Court Justice Warren Milman described the crime as an execution-style killing. Basra and an accomplice shot Vishal Walia at the University Golf Club near the University of British Columbia on October 17, 2022. Milman stated, "This was an execution-style killing at close range in a public place of recreation, which was followed by the burning of the getaway car to avoid capture." In addition to the murder charge, a jury found Basra guilty of arson for setting fire to a stolen Audi used in the crime. The fire spread to a nearby garage, fence, and power pole, endangering the community. Milman imposed an additional five-year sentence for the arson, to be served concurrently with the murder sentence. The judge highlighted the lengths Basra went to destroy evidence, noting that he and his accomplices discarded two handguns and clothing in the Audi before setting it ablaze. Milman also acknowledged the profound impact of Walia's death on his family. Walia's sister, Poonam Gill, delivered a victim impact statement in court. "On October 17, 2022, our lives were shattered. I lost my only brother, and my parents lost their only son," she said, her voice breaking. "The pain never goes away, and this traumatic loss is permanently ingrained in our hearts and minds." Gill described the emotional toll on her family, stating that their health and financial situation had deteriorated since Walia's death. She expressed ongoing fear for their safety, which has caused significant distress. Crown prosecutor Julie Robinson emphasized the severity of Basra's actions, stating he bore a high degree of responsibility for the crime. "Targeted murder — murders like this one — strike at the heart of the sense of security that allows a community to function effectively and must be denounced and deterred in the strongest possible terms," Robinson said. Defense attorney Frances Mahon argued that Basra was still young and had no prior criminal record. "He will be middle-aged by the time he’s eligible for parole, and that means he will spend the entirety of the prime of his life in custody in relation to this most serious of crimes," she said. Basra did not address the court before his sentencing. He was arrested along with two co-accused, Iqbal Kang and Deandre Baptiste, shortly after the murder following a high-speed police chase. Kang pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and received a life sentence with no parole for 17 years. Baptiste pleaded guilty to conspiracy to murder and was sentenced to 13 years. Walia, 38, had ties to the United Nations gang but had a falling out with some members before his death. Sgt. Freda Fong of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team remarked on the disregard for public safety shown by the convicted individuals. "We are fortunate no bystanders were injured in the process," she said. Fong also noted the collaborative efforts of police from various departments in addressing organized crime, stating, "Organized crime has no boundaries, and this is a good example of police officers from different departments and units jumping in and working together with the common goal to protect the public."