A trial has begun in British Columbia for three men accused in the 2022 killing of an elderly couple whose deaths shocked a quiet community, according to Canadian media reports.
The victims, Arnold De Jong and Joanne De Jong, were found dead in their home in Abbotsford on May 9, 2022. The couple had been reported unreachable the morning after hosting a family gathering, prompting a relative to check on them.
The accused — Gurkaran Singh, Abhijeet Singh, and Khushveer Singh Toor — have each pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder, CBC News reported.
Prosecution outlines alleged motive
In opening statements on Monday, Crown prosecutor Dorothy Tsui told the court the men were allegedly motivated by debt, financial pressure, and greed. Prosecutors said the accused were previously connected to the De Jongs through a cleaning company owned by Abhijeet Singh, which had performed work at the couple’s home in July 2021 and April 2022.
The court heard that Gurkaran Singh arrived in Canada on a student visa on April 16, 2022, less than a month before the killings.
Financial transactions under scrutiny
According to the prosecution, shortly after the deaths, Gurkaran Singh and Khushveer Singh Toor each deposited cheques valued at $3,601 into their bank accounts. The cheques were allegedly signed in Joanne De Jong’s name and referenced payment for house cleaning.
Crown counsel said investigators were alerted to suspicious financial activity after a voicemail was left on the De Jongs’ landline indicating irregular credit card transactions. Police then reviewed banking and phone records to identify potential suspects.
Evidence from the crime scene
Police testimony presented to the court described how the couple was found in separate bedrooms, with signs they had been restrained. A pathologist is expected to testify regarding the causes of death, which prosecutors say resulted from different forms of physical trauma.
The case continues in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, where further evidence and witness testimony are expected in the coming days.
The trial is ongoing.