Abbotsford Murder Trial Commences for Indian-Origin Man
A murder trial has started in Abbotsford for an Indian-origin man accused of killing his wife. Jagpreet Singh faces a second-degree murder charge for the death of Balwinder Kaur.
Fatal Stabbing After Reunion
Prosecutors allege Singh stabbed Kaur multiple times in her basement. This happened just days after they reunited in Canada. Singh arrived from India on a visitor visa on March 9, 2024. Kaur met him at the airport that day.
Crown prosecutor Rob Macgowan told the court a sad fact. "Six days later, Ms. Kaur was dead, and Mr. Singh was in police custody," he said.
Court Proceedings and Police Testimony
Singh appeared in Abbotsford provincial court on Monday. He used a translator during the proceedings. Three police officers testified about their response to the incident. No family members of Singh were present in court that day.
On the night of March 15, 2024, police received a call about a home on Wagner Drive. They found Kaur unconscious in a basement suite. She was rushed to the hospital but pronounced dead just after midnight.
Singh was formally charged with second-degree murder. He pleaded not guilty last July, according to his defence lawyer Josh Oppal.
Background of the Couple
The couple married in India in 2000. They had two children together. Their daughter moved to Canada in 2021 to attend school. She later developed serious medical problems.
Kaur came to Canada on a visitor visa to care for her daughter. Singh remained in India during this time. He traveled to Canada in March 2024 after Kaur submitted paperwork for his visa.
Phone Records and Communication
Prosecutors presented phone records in court. The records showed no calls or text messages between the couple from January to early March 2024.
On February 26, 2024, a WhatsApp system message on Kaur's phone read, "you unblocked this contact." On March 9, Kaur shared photos and videos of their airport reunion. Several calls between the couple were recorded between March 10 and 14.
On the night of March 15, Kaur made a WhatsApp video call at 9:37 pm to a number linked to her son. That number later called her four times, but the calls went unanswered.
Scene of the Crime
Kaur was found lying on her back in a pool of blood. There were four stab wounds to her neck and four near her chest. A broken steak knife was found at the scene, with the handle near the body.
Meanwhile, Singh was found sitting on a couch in the basement. He appeared scared and in shock. He struggled to understand the police when they spoke to him, possibly because he did not understand English.
Constable Nicholas Howden described Singh's demeanor. He said Singh was sitting on the ground and simply staring at the officers.
The trial continues as the court examines the evidence and testimonies in this tragic case.
