The trial of a suspected professional hitman has begun at the B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster, with strict security measures in place. Metal detectors were set up at both the main entrance and courtroom doors, with law enforcement officers on constant watch.
The defendant, Brandon Teixeira, has denied all allegations against him. He faces three charges, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, and firearm discharge, all linked to two separate victims. Teixeira is implicated in the death of Nicolas Khabra, 28, and an assault on another individual, referred to as “Person A,” who survived and is anticipated to testify during the trial.
The details of several individuals connected to the case, along with various other elements, are under publication restrictions. The prosecution asserts that Teixeira murdered Khabra in a premeditated attack in October 2017, for a contract worth $160,000.
Prosecutor Dianne Wiedemann informed the jury that Teixeira agreed to the “kill contract” as he suspected Khabra was behind a drive-by shooting aimed at him a few days earlier. According to the prosecution, on the night of the murder, Teixeira drew a gun from his waistband and shot Khabra four or five times.
The prosecution also alleges that a second individual, referred to as “Person X,” was part of the murder plot. This individual, who will be a crucial witness in the trial, was reportedly in a nearby vehicle observing the incident.
The jury heard the initial testimony from the prosecution’s first witness, RCMP Cpl. Kenneth Ho, who detailed finding Khabra’s bloodied body at a house’s doorway with visible bullet wounds in his chest.
The trial is projected to continue for six to eight months.
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This article is based on reports from Rumina Daya.
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