An alleged gangster charged with first-degree murder in connection with an April 2021 killing outside a popular Vancouver waterfront restaurant will be tried in B.C. Supreme Court.
Francois Joseph Gauthier is charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of possessing a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm.
Gauthier appeared in Vancouver Provincial Court on May 25, where he waived his right to a preliminary hearing. His case now moves to B.C. Supreme Court on June 22 to begin setting trial dates.
Police responded to calls of shots fired outside Cardero’s restaurant at Coal Harbour on the evening of April 17, 2021.
Harpreet Singh Dhaliwal, 31, was pronounced dead on scene after first responders were unsuccessful in reviving him.
The Vancouver Police Department said that the shooting appeared to be targeted but that there was no danger to the public.
Dhaliwal was reputed to be a member of the Brothers Keepers gang.
Dhaliwal’s killing was Vancouver’s fifth of 2021.
