Crime Scene:
The crime scene was located in a parking lot near Simon Fraser University in Surrey, British Columbia.
Simon Fraser University – Surrey Campus
Timeline:
Date of incident: September 28, 2011.
Location: Simon Fraser University Surrey Campus Parking Lot, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.
Time of Incident: Approximately 1:00 AM.
Victim Background and Behavior Before the Incident:
Overview:
The Day of the incident:Maple Batalia was a bright, driven 19-year-old health sciences student and aspiring actress, known for her love of the arts and academia.
Well-regarded by her friends and classmates, she frequently stayed late on the campus, especially as exam season approached, to ensure she was well-prepared. She was involved in various modeling and acting projects and maintained an active social life despite her demanding studies.
The Day of the Incident:
September 27, 2011, began like any other day for Maple. She attended her classes at the Surrey campus of Simon Fraser University, participated in group study sessions, and was seen socializing with friends between classes. Several friends later recalled that Maple seemed in good spirits throughout the day, though some mentioned that she had recently voiced concerns about her ex-boyfriend, Gurjinder Dhaliwal. Their relationship had ended only a few weeks prior, and according to friends, Dhaliwal was struggling to accept the breakup, which made Maple increasingly uneasy.
Evening of the Incident:
9:30 PM – 11:30 PM:
Maple met with a group of classmates in one of the university study rooms. They reviewed notes for an upcoming exam, sharing resources and discussing complex topics in detail.
Witnesses later reported that Maple was entirely focused on her studies and showed no signs of distress. During this period, Maple received a few text messages from Dhaliwal. One classmate who glanced at her phone noticed her briefly looking upset, but Maple quickly composed herself and continued studying.
11:30 PM – 12:15 AM:
As the study session wrapped up, Maple and two classmates discussed grabbing something to eat. Maple briefly checked her phone, and based on her friends’ testimonies, seemed slightly on edge but dismissed their concern, insisting she was fine.
Maple’s classmates then left, while she stayed behind in the study room to finish up some personal notes.
Preceding Events Leading Up to the Incident:
12:30 AM:
Maple left the study room alone and headed to her car in the nearby university parking lot. Security footage captured her exiting the building, alone, clutching her notebook and phone. Dhaliwal, according to cell tower data later retrieved by investigators, was already in the vicinity. His vehicle, a white Dodge Charger, had been spotted by nearby cameras circulating the area hours earlier, suggesting he had been surveilling Maple.
12:35 AM:
Witnesses in nearby parked vehicles later reported seeing a white Dodge Charger enter the parking lot. Security cameras also picked up the vehicle pulling into the area at a slow speed, eventually parking out of direct view. Maple was unaware of Dhaliwal’s presence.
12:40 AM:
Maple was briefly seen on her phone as she approached her car. Cell phone records later showed that she made a quick call to a friend, telling them that she was leaving for the night. Moments later, she unlocked her car and placed her belongings on the passenger seat.
12:50 AM – 1:00 AM:
At approximately 12:50 AM, Dhaliwal exited his vehicle and approached Maple’s car. Based on later forensic evidence and eyewitness testimonies, he confronted Maple, and an argument quickly ensued. Their exchange grew increasingly heated, with Dhaliwal reportedly raising his voice. The argument was likely about their recent breakup, as Dhaliwal, who had reportedly been possessive throughout their relationship, appeared to have felt deeply threatened by Maple’s independence and success.
1:00 AM:
The situation rapidly escalated. A few witnesses in the distance heard raised voices, followed by a series of gunshots echoing across the parking lot. Maple was shot multiple times and was found with several additional stab wounds, suggesting a prolonged and personal attack.
Aftermath:
1:05 AM:
Campus security, alerted by sounds of gunfire, arrived at the scene. They discovered Maple lying beside her vehicle, barely responsive, with gunshot and stab wounds. Emergency services were immediately called, but Maple succumbed to her injuries shortly after their arrival.
1:10 AM:
The white Dodge Charger was seen leaving the area at high speed, caught by several surveillance cameras positioned near campus exits. Authorities immediately began canvassing the area and collecting evidence.
Crime Scene Analysis:
Forensics & Surveillance Evidence:
Upon investigation, police discovered Maple’s blood on the ground beside her vehicle, along with shell casings that were later matched to a handgun found discarded nearby.
The Dodge Charger, caught on surveillance footage, became a critical lead. A subsequent investigation of Dhaliwal’s phone records revealed that he had been near the university parking lot, and further analysis placed him there at the time of the murder.
Cell Phone Data:
Phone records showed multiple calls and messages between Maple and Dhaliwal earlier in the evening, indicating that he had been trying to reach her persistently, likely feeling desperate or angry.
Maple Batalia drove a 1997 BMW 323i.
Key Findings and Motive
Jealousy and Control:
Gurjinder Dhaliwal’s inability to accept the breakup and his obsessive, possessive nature pointed to jealousy as the primary motive. Witnesses and friends testified that Dhaliwal’s behavior had become increasingly aggressive following their split, and he was reportedly incensed over Maple’s refusal to reconcile.
Premeditation Evidence:
The surveillance of Maple’s movements, combined with his known possession of the white Dodge Charger in the area, strongly suggested premeditation. Dhaliwal had come prepared, knowing Maple’s study schedule and routines. This calculated approach and the brutality of the attack revealed a chilling resolve.