Death Penalty Imposed on Former Lorry Driver for Murdering Wife and Infant
PUTRAJAYA: A three-member Federal Court bench has sentenced a former lorry driver to death for murdering his wife and their seven-month-old daughter eight years ago.
Background
The case dates back to April 14, 2016, when Satvender Singh murdered his wife, D Kamaljit, 34, and their daughter, Ishilyn Kaur Sandhu, at their house in Taman Rawang Perdana 2, Rawang, Selangor. The High Court sentenced him to death for both murders in 2021, but the Court of Appeal substituted the murder charge against his wife and sentenced Satvender to 20 years’ jail for culpable homicide not amounting to murder instead. The Court of Appeal also acquitted Satvender of the murder of the child.
The Trial
The prosecution, led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Noorhisham Jaafar, argued that Satvender planned and staged a crime scene to cover his tracks and confuse the police investigators. He claimed that Satvender caused the death of his wife by strangling her, while the infant’s death was the result of asphyxia. Noorhisham urged the bench to impose the death penalty, citing the public interest in upholding the law and ensuring that justice is served.
Defense
Counsel Rajpal Singh, who represented Satvender, argued that the motive for the murders had not been established and that his client should be given a chance to become a responsible citizen upon his release. He requested the court to impose the minimum 30-year jail term, stating that Satvender would not be a threat to society as he would be an elderly person after serving the jail term.
Ruling
The three-member Federal Court bench, chaired by Justice Rhodzariah Bujang, reinstated the High Court decision and set aside the Court of Appeal ruling. Justice Rhodzariah said that there was overwhelming evidence that Satvender committed the murders, and the death penalty was the appropriate sentence as he had also taken an infant’s life.
Conclusion
The court’s decision brings an end to a long and arduous legal battle for the family of the victims. The sentence sends a strong message about the gravity of the crime and the importance of upholding the law. As the case comes to a close, the family can finally find closure and begin the process of healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the outcome of the trial?
A: The court sentenced Satvender Singh to death for murdering his wife and infant daughter.
Q: What was the original sentence given by the High Court?
A: The High Court sentenced Satvender to death for both murders in 2021.
Q: What did the Court of Appeal substitute the murder charge against Satvender’s wife?
A: The Court of Appeal substituted the murder charge against his wife and sentenced Satvender to 20 years’ jail for culpable homicide not amounting to murder instead.
Q: What was the motive for the murders?
A: The motive for the murders has not been established.