A property manager, Rama Gauravarapu was murdered at a hotel in West Kelowna two years ago on July 22, 2018.
Gauravarapu's common law partner Tejwant Danjou a Surrey resident has been found guilty of second degree murder by judge Alison Beames.
The judge ruled that Tejwant Danjou intended to kill his partner or at least knew his violent actions could result in her death.
The Crown concluded Danjou was an abusive and violent man. The defence asked for a manslaughter conviction and said Danjou was delusional about his partner's fidelity.
Beames concluded that she was absolutely certain and there was no doubting that Danjou killed Gauravarapu. The only thing she has to decide was whether he was guilty of manslaughter or second-degree murder.
In her explanation and while delivering the verdict she said "The difference between murder and manslaughter is intent."
According to the judge, Gauravarapu suffered gruesome injuries to her face, had defensive wounds on her arms and hands, and had a 20 centimetre cut to her neck and all of this covered 52 areas of her body.
The court heard the couple had a contentious relationship with several previous acts of violence committed by Danjou against her. Danjou suffered "delusional disorder jealousy type," among other mental health issues, including a drinking problem.
The court heard the day Gauravarapu was killed the couple spent a good chunk of the day at the winery and had heated arguments which resulted in Danjou booking a separate room at the hotel.
The judge said there is sufficient evidence that Danjou acted with purpose and foresight. When the hotel staff member who went to check noticed blood on Danjou's clothes and Gauravarapu on the floor with a swollen face before the police were called.
Judge Beames went onto say, Danjou also showed clear malicious intent after he left the hotel room and hid in a dumpster where he ended up getting caught.
Sentencing has been set for Sept. 14.
Photo courtesy of Facebook.
.jpg "Flood warnings issued as B.C. rivers surge")
