Prosecutor Details Evidence in Abbotsford Couple Murder Case
In a packed courtroom on Friday, prosecutor William Dorsey presented a detailed account of the evidence that led to first-degree murder charges against three men in the violent deaths of an elderly Abbotsford couple. The accused—Abhijeet Singh, Khushveer Toor, and Gurkaran Singh, an international student from India—are alleged to have murdered Arnold De Jong, 77, and his wife, Joanne, 76, in their home on May 9, 2022.
Key Evidence Presented in Court
Dorsey explained that a day before the killings, Abhijeet Singh purchased rope, wipes, and a softball bat from a hardware store. That night, the three men left their shared rental unit, presumably bringing these items with them, which the prosecutor described as being "prepared to deliver violence." Police later found the bat in the trunk of a car associated with the men, with a swab revealing Joanne's DNA on it.
Additional evidence included a shoe print on a bloody bedsheet in Joanne's room, which could have been made by a shoe worn by Khushveer Toor. Fingerprints on a glass patio door were linked to Gurkaran Singh's left hand. Furthermore, Google searches by Abhijeet Singh after a local newspaper article about the killings included queries about the punishment for murderers in Canada and jail sentences for international students.
Details of the Victims and Alleged Motive
Arnold De Jong was found dead in his bed with duct tape wrapped around his nose and mouth, dying of asphyxiation due to smothering. Joanne De Jong was found in her bed surrounded by blood, having died from sharp and blunt force trauma. Dorsey alleged that after the killings, the men fled to Ontario, and while driving across the country, one of them shared a link to a newspaper article about the murders with a friend who was helping them find a place to live.
The prosecutor also presented evidence showing the men tried to pay off debts and send money to family and friends using the De Jongs' Visa cards and cheques stolen from their home. They eventually returned to British Columbia in June, renting another place together, which Dorsey said contributed to the impression that everything "had gone according to plan."
Family's Reaction and Ongoing Struggle
Outside the courtroom, the couple's three daughters expressed their ongoing struggle to comprehend the loss. Sandra Barthel stated, "I don't think we can fully understand why this happened. To murder two people over such a small sum of money. It's incomprehensible." Heather Hoogland added that her father would have given anyone a chance to work for him, noting his numerous contacts in the trucking industry and willingness to help people find jobs.
The case continues to unfold as the trial proceeds, with the evidence painting a grim picture of premeditated violence and its devastating impact on the victims' family.
