Crown calls its last witnesses at Jaspal Singh Sidhu’s second-degree murder trial

The Crown rested its case at the trial of Jaspal Singh Sidhu, after questioning members of Guelph Police about the victim's clothing. Colton Wiens reports.

The Crown wrapped up its second-degree murder case against Jaspal Singh Sidhu on Wednesday.

The Guelph man is accused of killing his father, Balbir Singh Sidhu, at their home on Feb. 8, 2023.

The 68-year-old was stabbed eight times and was found by first responders holding a knife in his chest.

Much of the trial testimony on Wednesday focused on the victim’s shirt.

On Tuesday, first responders stated they never saw a cut or tear on the back of Balbir Singh Sidhu’s shirt.

Det. Const. Jennifer Purdy, with the Guelph Police Service, took the stand on Wednesday. She photographed Balbir Singh Sidhu’s body during the autopsy.

Purdy noted that “there were no injuries” on his hands.

She told the court that the cut or tear on the back of Balbir Singh Sidhu’s shirt already existed when it was seized by police and not altered during the autopsy.

Purdy pointed out that the fabric around the cut appeared to be frayed and was still connected to the bottom of the shirt, but she could not say what caused the damage.

Purdy also photographed Jaspal Singh Sidhu at the police station.

She noted two small marks on one of his hands but did not find any other injuries on his body.

“I did not observe physical bruising,” she testified.

Three police officers, who were at the home of Jaspal and Balbir Singh Sidhu, also took the stand on Wednesday. All three stated they did not see the cut or tear on the shirt.

“From where I was standing, I could not see the deceased male and I don’t remember hearing anything,” said Det. Const. Ryan Horvat.

The trial continues Thursday with the defense presenting its case.