Gill, Ronald found guilty of first-degree murder in new trial
Bhupinderpal Gill and Gurpreet Ronald have again been found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Jagtar Gill following a new trial.
Jagtar Gill was found bludgeoned and stabbed to death in her Barrhaven home on her wedding anniversary in 2014. Her husband Bhupinderpal Gill and his lover Gurpreet Ronald were convicted of her murder in 2016.
However, the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled the trial judge made a legal error when instructing the jury and ordered a new trial.
Ontario Superior Court Justice Anne London-Weinstein delivered the new guilty verdict Tuesday.
Gill and Ronald had both pleaded not guilty to the murder. Ronald testified that she found Jagtar Gill's body and left in a panic, while Bhupinderpal Gill denied that he ever discussed killing his wife with Ronald.
The Crown argued that Gill and Ronald conspired to kill Jagtar and that it was Ronald who carried it out.
In her decision Justice London-Weinstein said she was "satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that Gurpreet Ronald killed Jagtar Gill," adding “Mr. Gill is as culpable as Ms. Ronald.”
"The inescapable inference of all the evidence is that Gurpreet Ronald murdered Jagtar Gill," said London-Weinstein. "Mr. Gill is as culpable as Ms. Ronald in the murder of his wife… The two of them planned and deliberated upon the murder together."
London-Weinstein said part of the evidence that supports the verdict is the fact that this crime was committed when Jagtar was at her weakest, home alone recovering from surgery. Ronald brought her own gloves to the home, Bhupinderpal made sure Jagtar was home alone, and he left the door unlocked, she said, to make sure that Ronald could get in.
A victim impact statement, read in court on behalf of Jagtar Gill's parents, said they lost a loving daughter who was herself greatly loved.
"Words cannot express the pain and anguish that we, at this age, and our family and friends have endured since murder of our daughter Jagtar. The defendant’s decision to take the life of a human being with no regard for the effect it may have on others is unimaginable and unpardonable," the statement said. "We as parents and our entire family, are forever “broken” and devoid of our daughter's love, care and compassion and will always remain so.
"Jagtar, your short life enriched the lives of so many people. You will never be forgotten. You are loved forever. Our dear Jagtar, as you know, we could not lay you to rest following your death. Our darling daughter, may you now rest in peace."
A first-degree murder conviction comes with an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years.
Gill's lawyer said it is too early to say whether they will appeal.
"We're very disappointed. Apparently her honour indicated that her reasons are 256 pages so I'll have to read that over very carefully and then discuss what my client wanted to do going forward," James Harbic said.
In a statement, Ronald's lawyer says she too is disappointed, adding, "We will take the necessary time to carefully review the court's detailed and lengthy decision before determining any potential next steps."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.