A pathologist is expected to testify that Arnold died from suffocation, while Joanne died due to sharp and blunt force injuries
The trial of three Indian-origin men accused of murdering an elderly couple in Canada has begun in the province of British Columbia, according to Canadian media reports. The case relates to the deaths of Arnold and Joanne De Jong, who were found dead in their Abbotsford home on May 9, 2022.
The accused have been identified as Gurkaran Singh, Abhijeet Singh and Khushveer Singh Toor. All three have pleaded not guilty to two counts each of first-degree murder. Prosecutors allege that the killings were driven by financial stress, debt and greed.
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The court heard that the De Jongs were last seen alive after hosting a family gathering at their home on May 8, 2022
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When the couple could not be reached by phone the following morning, a concerned family member went to check on them and discovered their bodies
According to the prosecution, the accused men were linked to the victims through a cleaning company run by Abhijeet Singh. The company had carried out cleaning work at the De Jongs’ house in July 2021 and again in April 2022. Prosecutors also told the court that Gurkaran Singh had arrived in Canada on a student visa just weeks before the incident, on April 16, 2022.
Evidence presented so far includes bank records showing that Gurkaran Singh and Khushveer Singh Toor deposited cheques worth about 3,600 Canadian dollars each shortly after the deaths. The cheques were said to be signed in Joanne De Jong’s name and listed as payment for house cleaning. Investigators became suspicious after a voicemail left on the couple’s landline referred to unusual credit card activity.
Police testimony described a disturbing crime scene. Arnold De Jong was found in one bedroom with duct tape covering his nose and mouth, while Joanne De Jong was found in another room with injuries to her head and neck.
The trial is ongoing.
