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Arvin Golic sentenced to seven years in prison over role in Whistler stabbing death

Burnaby teen Luka Gordic was swarmed and stabbed in Marketplace while visiting the resort
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Arvin Golic was sentenced to seven years in prison today over his role in the stabbing death of 19-year-old Luka Gordic, who was visiting Whistler in 2015 during the May long weekend holiday. File image

Arvin Golic has been sentenced to seven years in prison for his role in the stabbing death of a Burnaby teen who was visiting Whistler more than two years ago, according to multiple media reports.

On May 17, 2015, 19-year-old Luke Gordic was swarmed and stabbed by a group of teens outside the Marketplace 7-Eleven.

Golic, who was 18 at the time, was found guilty of manslaughter in June.

Three young men, who were 17 at the time of the attack, were convicted in B.C. Supreme Court in October. Two of the teens were convicted of manslaughter, while a third was convicted of second-degree murder. The teens cannot be named as they were minors at the time of the crime.

Prosecutors had pushed for a nine-year sentence, while Golic's attorney lobbied for four years due to his client's "limited role" in the attack, according to the CBC. Matthew Nathanson also said his client was remorseful and completed several rehab courses while in custody.

The Gordic family has said previously they believe the teenager was attacked for criticizing the way one of Golic's friends had treated a woman while in Whistler, which they feel warranted a second-degree murder charge for Golic. In June, a judge said prosecutors had not been able to prove Golic had planned the attack. Police have not indicated a motive in the killing.

Golic's sentencing was postponed in September after evidence was introduced that he had intimidated his ex-girlfriend, a Crown witness.