WARNING: This story accommodates disturbing particulars. Reader discretion is suggested.
Closing arguments within the trial of three males charged with the 2022 killings of an Abbotsford couple continued on Monday. Andrew Cochrane, representing Abhijeet Singh, argued in court docket that whereas his shopper accepts some involvement, the proof falls in need of proving homicide.
Defence Challenges Homicide Conviction
Cochrane said that proof would possibly present Abhijeet Singh knew in regards to the plan upfront, participated within the break-in, or acquired stolen gadgets, nevertheless it doesn’t set up legal responsibility for homicide. DNA from Singh appeared on a rope used to bind Arnold De Jong’s toes, but Cochrane defined his shopper purchased and dealt with the rope the day past.
Cellphone data place Singh’s telephone 57 kilometers from the De Jong residence through the Could 2022 killings. Singh additionally bought a baseball bat later discovered with co-accused Khushveer Toor, which bore Joanne De Jong’s DNA. Cochrane described Singh’s function at most as a “planner and supplier of supplies” in a “theft gone unsuitable which resulted in murder.”
“Benefitting from the proceeds of theft can’t floor a conviction for homicide or manslaughter,” Cochrane emphasised. He famous the Crown didn’t show Singh was inside the house through the assault.
Case Background and Crown’s Arguments
Arnold and Joanne De Jong had been found useless of their Abbotsford residence early on Could 9, 2022. Gurkaran Singh, Abhijeet Singh, and Khushveer Toor confronted arrest in December 2022 and entered not responsible pleas.
Prosecutors detailed how the lads allegedly entered the residence, separated the couple into completely different rooms, sure them, and delivered deadly accidents. DNA, cellphone, and financial institution data join all three to the crime, in keeping with the Crown, which describes a focused residence invasion theft pushed by greed.
The accused stole bank cards and financial institution cheques, shortly spending the victims’ funds. Over $10,000 vanished from the De Jongs’ account, together with cash used for a brand new rental unit in Surrey. Abhijeet Singh shared information articles in regards to the murder with an acquaintance and searched on-line for “punishment of murderers in Canada.” Cochrane portrayed these actions as curiosity from an Indian immigrant exploring authorized choices in an unfamiliar system, presumably for others.
Trial Timeline
Defence closings resume Tuesday with Toor’s legal professionals questioning a DNA pattern’s reliability. Following the Crown’s rebuttal, Justice Brenda Brown will ship her verdict.
