Sentencing begins for three men convicted in 2022 murders of Abbotsford couple

Olivia Singh

5/29/20262 min read

The sentencing phase has begun for the three men convicted of murdering Abbotsford couple Arnold and Joanne De Jong, as family members filled a courtroom Thursday to describe the devastating and lasting impact of the killings. Abhijeet Singh, Gurkaran Singh and Khushveer Toor were found guilty earlier this month of two counts each of first-degree murder.

The convictions came almost exactly four years after Arnold and Joanne De Jong were found dead in their Abbotsford home on May 9, 2022. Justice Brenda Brown ruled that all three men were willing, knowledgeable and integral participants in the killings, rejecting the defence argument that the deaths were the result of a robbery gone wrong.

Family describes lasting trauma

Thursday’s hearing centred on victim impact statements from the De Jongs’ loved ones, many of whom described lives permanently altered by the murders. One of the couple’s daughters, Sandra Barthel, told the court that the crime did not simply take two lives, but shattered the entire family and changed every part of who she is.

Another daughter, Kimberly Coleman, spoke directly to the convicted men in court, expressing disgust over what had been done to her parents. Family members described Arnold and Joanne as generous, loving people whose loss continues to ripple through every corner of their lives.

The three convicted men sat with their heads down as relatives addressed the court.

Court previously heard details of brutal killings

During the trial, the court heard that 77-year-old Arnold De Jong died by asphyxiation after his head and face were wrapped in duct tape, while 76-year-old Joanne De Jong was beaten and had her throat slashed. The couple were found in separate bedrooms.

The court also heard the three men knew the De Jongs through a cleaning company connected to Abhijeet Singh and had previously worked at the couple’s home. Prosecutors argued the murders were financially motivated and planned in advance.

Life sentences are mandatory, but parole issue remains

Because all three men were convicted of first-degree murder, they face mandatory life sentences under Canadian law. What remains to be decided is the issue of parole eligibility, with the defence pursuing a constitutional challenge that could affect how soon they may be allowed to apply. Reporting on the case says the final sentencing outcome is expected in the fall.

For the De Jong family, the sentencing hearing is another painful chapter in a case that has already stretched across four years. But their statements made clear that, even with convictions secured, the damage done by the murders is something they will carry for the rest of their lives.

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