From Student Visa to Murder Suspect: Punjabi Man Among Three on Trial for Killing Elderly Couple in Canada
The trial of three young men accused of murdering an elderly couple in Abbotsford, British Columbia, entered its second day on Tuesday. Gurkaran Singh, Abhijeet Singh, and Khushveer Toor, all in their mid-20s and of Punjabi origin, face two counts each of first-degree murder. They have pleaded not guilty to the deaths of Arnold De Jong, 77, and his wife Joanne, 76.
Details of the Alleged Crime
The prosecution alleges the trio targeted the De Jongs after gaining access to their rural property through a cleaning business. Abhijeet Singh owned and operated AS Cleaners. The elderly couple had hired the company twice for roof and gutter cleaning at their home on Arcadian Way in east Abbotsford.
Crown prosecutors claim the men used their familiarity with the property and knowledge that the couple lived alone to plan the crime. The De Jongs also owned a trucking business, which may have been a factor in the alleged motive.
Background of the Accused
Gurkaran Singh arrived in Canada on an international student visa on April 16, 2022. He was supposed to begin studies at Northern Lights College in Dawson Creek the following month but never enrolled or attended. Less than a month after his arrival, the killings occurred.
All three men were living together in Surrey at the time of their arrest on December 16, 2022. Police stated none had a prior criminal record. They are part of Surrey's large South Asian community.
Discovery of the Bodies
The De Jongs were last seen alive on the evening of May 8, 2022, after hosting a Mother's Day family gathering. Arnold's sister left the home around 10 pm. When the couple could not be reached the next morning, their son-in-law went to the house and discovered Joanne's body, prompting a call to the police.
Investigators found Joanne in her bed with her hands and feet bound with rope. She had severe injuries consistent with sharp- and blunt-force trauma. Arnold was found in another bedroom, also bound, with his head and face tightly wrapped in duct tape. The Crown says he died of asphyxiation due to smothering.
Alleged Motive and Evidence
Crown counsel Dorothy Tsui told the court the alleged motive involved debt, financial pressure, and greed. Prosecutors say the men acted together to restrain and kill the couple to steal money and valuables.
The Crown alleges stolen credit cards were used for purchases beginning around 4:30 am on May 9. These purchases were linked to Rogers accounts associated with Toor and Abhijeet. Forged cheques, one for $5,600 deposited by Toor and another for $5,100 by Gurkaran, were purportedly signed by Joanne and described as payment for "house cleanup." A pressure washer taken from the home was also allegedly sold.
Aftermath and Arrest
Two days after the killings, the three men travelled to Brampton, Ontario, before returning to British Columbia. They moved into a new basement suite, where they were later arrested together.
Evidence expected at trial includes fingerprints attributed to Gurkaran at the scene, DNA found on an object believed to be a weapon in the trunk of a shared vehicle, cellphone and financial records, and forensic evidence from the house.
Trial Proceedings
The case is being heard by a judge alone and is expected to run for about eight weeks. On the opening day of the trial on January 12, Crown lawyers outlined the case, and Abbotsford police officers testified about the discovery of the bodies. The prosecution is expected to call at least 24 witnesses.
Victims Remembered
The De Jongs were long-time residents of Abbotsford, active in their church, and well known in the community. Their daughters, Sandra Barthel and Kimberley Coleman, told reporters outside court that the loss had devastated their family. They described their parents as loving, caring, and honourable people.
The trial continues as the court examines the evidence against the three accused men. The community watches closely, seeking justice for the beloved elderly couple.
