Warning: This story contains graphic details.
Three men have been convicted in the chilling murders of Abbotsford, B.C., seniors Arnold and Joanne De Jong.
Abhijeet Singh, Khushveer Toor and Gurkaran Singh were found guilty of first-degree murder Friday in B.C. Supreme Court.
“My heart was going to come out of my chest. I think there was joy in knowing that the judge saw this for what it was,” said Sandra Barthel, one of the De Jongs’ three daughters, outside court in Abbotsford.
“This week’s been a little excruciating (waiting for the verdict). I don’t think any of us slept well,” she said.
Arnold and Joanne De Jong, who were grandparents in their 70s, were found dead in their home on May 9, 2022. They had been tied up with rope. Arnold’s head had been wrapped in duct tape and Joanne’s throat had been slashed.
Abhijeet Singh had an exterior home cleaning business, and he and Toor had done work at the De Jongs’ home. The court earlier heard that both Gurkaran Singh and Toor had come to Canada on student visas.
The defence had argued it was a robbery gone wrong. Crown said the motivation was financial pressure and greed.
Justice Brenda Brown said the murders were “prolonged and intimate.” She further said the killings were planned and deliberate, and that each of the accused was a willing, knowledgeable and integral participant.
“We have this first-degree conviction for all suspects on both counts and yet we still grieve,” said Kimberley Coleman, another of the De Jongs’ daughters.
She said her parents “had so many things about them that were so special that we miss every day.”
Her sister, Heather Hoogland, said the date of the verdict was significant for the family.
“Four years ago today, we spent the last time with my parents,” she recalled.
“It’s been a long road to get here. We’ve had delay after delay,” Hoogland explained.
The courtroom was packed for the verdict. In fact, so many family and friends of the victims were in attendance, three overflow courtrooms were opened to accommodate the crowd.
Hoogland said the family is grateful for all the support they received, and the work of both police and prosecutors.
She said her parents were wonderful grandparents
“My mom would be at their hockey games, cheering them on. She would be their number one cheerleader,” said Hoogland, wearing a necklace with charms containing her parents’ fingerprints. “It breaks my heart that she’s not there.”
Large pictures of the De Jongs and flowers were set up by family outside the courthouse Friday morning.
“I hope people remember them as kind, loving, sweet people, hard working,” said Coleman. “They had so many things about them that were so special that we miss every day.”
Said Barthel, “Nobody should have to endure what happened to our mom and dad.”
Sentencing is set for May 28.
