3 youths found guilty in stabbing death of Luka Gordic

Three youths who cannot be named were found guilty Friday in the 2015 stabbing of Luka Gordic in Whistler.

All three were 17 at the time of the stabbing. One of them was convicted of second-degree murder while the two others were convicted of manslaughter.

Gordic was stabbed three times in a “swarming” incident that took place on the May long weekend in 2015.

The fatal stabbing hit his heart.

The verdict, which judge started reading out at 10 a.m. on Friday before the guilty result was made known about eight hours later, concerned who actually delivered the fatal stab.

The judge ruled that there was only one stabber, who was convicted of second-degree murder. The other two youths were just part of the group who were involved in the swarming.

Surveillance video from a store showed the three youths running from the scene.

The verdict unfolded in a tense courtroom that was packed with family.

Shouting and anger broke out as the judge read it out. Families had to be physically separated by sheriffs after they started shouting and arguing in the courtroom.

People threw up their arms and made threats against each other.

Someone at the time of the murder had said, “I juked him,” which is slang for stabbing. An individual who was present for the verdict said, “I should juke you.”

Outside the court, Luka Gordic’s family said they want the three convicted youths to have life sentences.

The Crown will seek adult sentences for all three.

The family said they were happy with the verdict, however.

READ MORE: Family of Luka Gordic releases emotional video on anniversary of his death

Arvin Golic was already found guilty of manslaughter in June in connection with the case but the judge will decide the fate of the three other co-accused.

As the judge read out the verdict, details that received attention included the fact that witnesses to the incident had consumed alcohol and drugs such as cocaine and MDMA.

The judge said that DNA was found on the shoes of the accused.

Gordic’s blood was also found on clothing and a knife that was found at the scene.

In court last October, it was revealed Gordic was attacked in a “swarming incident” outside a 7-Eleven store in Whistler at 12:34 a.m. on May 17, 2015.

The entire incident likely lasted no longer than 30 seconds and was allegedly perpetrated by a group of eight to 15 young males.

Crown prosecutor Julie Robinson said the group was “more than sufficient in numbers to make it impossible for Gordic to defend himself.”

READ MORE: Family of Luka Gordic releases emotional video on anniversary of his death

Prosecutors say there was overwhelming evidence the attack was planned by the group.

Gordic graduated from Burnaby Central Secondary School the previous year and was studying to become a plumber.

He was the youngest of four kids and lived at home with his parents, two older brothers, one sister and the family dog.

• With files from Kyle Benning