Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The Court of Appeal in British Columbia has upheld the acquittal of Samandeep Singh Gill, who was accused of second-degree murder in a case involving a newlywed couple. The decision comes after Crown prosecutors appealed the initial ruling that acquitted Gill due to police errors in handling evidence.
Newlywed Tragedy
The incident took place on the evening of April 27, 2011, when Manbir Kajla, a newly married man, was fatally shot following a road rage incident. His wife, whose identity remains protected, witnessed the horrific event.
Police Errors
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) mishandled key evidence in the case, leading to the exclusion of crucial pieces of information during the trial. The court found that police had seized multiple devices from Gill’s home without proper authorization, violating his rights.
Legal Battle
Despite the Crown’s appeal to retry Gill, the Court of Appeal affirmed the initial ruling, stating that the trial judge had not erred in excluding the evidence. Justice Harvey Groberman highlighted the deliberate actions of police in holding the devices without legal permission for an extended period.
Charter Violation
The court emphasized the significance of the breach of Gill’s rights due to the unlawful handling of evidence by law enforcement. The decision to exclude the evidence was deemed appropriate given the serious impact on Gill’s rights.
Policy Changes
IHIT revised its policies in 2014 regarding the handling of seized items, but the search of Gill’s phone did not occur until 2018. The court noted a pattern of disregard for legal requirements within the investigative team.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, the Court of Appeal stood by the original ruling, underscoring the importance of upholding legal standards in police investigations. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of mishandling evidence in criminal proceedings.
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