A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has reserved her decision on whether a convicted killer should walk free due to the length of time it took to bring him to justice. Brandon Teixeira, found guilty of first-degree murder in August 2025, is seeking a stay of proceedings, arguing that his Charter rights were violated by a trial delay spanning nearly eight years.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The “Jordan” Challenge
The core of the legal dispute rests on the R. v. Jordan ruling, a Supreme Court of Canada precedent that sets a 30-month limit for cases heard in superior courts.
Because the timeline between the 2017 killing of Nicholas Khabra and Teixeira’s 2025 conviction far exceeds this limit, the court must decide who is to blame for the 90+ month gap:
| Argument | Key Points |
| Defence (Vicki Williams) | Argues the delay is “unreasonable.” While acknowledging Teixeira was a fugitive for a period, the defence claims the remaining years were not their fault and exceed the constitutional ceiling. |
| Crown (Dianne Wiedemann) | Contends that Teixeira’s own actions caused the delay. He fled to California and lived under an alias until his 2019 arrest. The Crown views his “abscondment” as an exceptional circumstance. |
Case Context
- The Crime: Nicholas Khabra was shot and killed in Surrey, B.C., in October 2017. Police described the incident as a targeted hit linked to a gang conflict.
- The Fugitive: Teixeira was the subject of an international manhunt and a $50,000 reward before being apprehended by U.S. Marshals in 2019.
- The Verdict: In August 2025, a jury convicted Teixeira of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and firearm offenses.
What Happens Next?
If Justice Duncan rules in favor of Teixeira, his convictions will be stayed—meaning they are effectively wiped out, and he cannot be sentenced or retried. If the application is dismissed, the court will proceed to sentencing, where a first-degree murder conviction carries a mandatory life sentence with no parole for 25 years.
A tentative court date has been scheduled for February 12, 2026, to potentially deliver the ruling.
