CONTENT WARNING: This article contains details about a homicide and self-inflicted harm.
A man from Hamilton is set to receive a life sentence in prison following his admission of guilt to second-degree murder for fatally shooting his father with a crossbow. Sukhraj Cheema-Singh expressed remorse for his actions, apologizing to his family for the pain he caused and pledging to rehabilitate himself during his incarceration.
Initially facing a charge of first-degree murder, Cheema-Singh opted to plead guilty to the lesser charge of second-degree murder with the approval of the prosecution. Both the Crown and the defense recommended a parole ineligibility period of 13 years from his arrest, a sentence deemed appropriate by Justice Paul Sweeny.
Justice Sweeny encouraged Cheema-Singh to utilize his time in custody to address his mental health issues and strive for personal growth, urging him to uphold his commitment to his family.
Cheema-Singh’s Fatal Act
On February 10, 2024, Cheema-Singh ambushed his father outside the family residence, firing two fatal shots at him with a crossbow before fleeing the scene in a rented SUV. Following his apprehension by law enforcement two days later, Cheema-Singh admitted to the crime and disclosed his intention to end his own life, having only prepared two arrows for the tragic event.
Cheema-Singh claimed that he confronted his father regarding alleged mistreatment and lifestyle choices conflicting with the principles of the Sikh faith, notably involving alcohol consumption.
The victim, Kuldip Singh, a 56-year-old welder, succumbed to his injuries an hour after the assault.
Insights from the Court
Prosecutor Eric Taylor relayed details from Cheema-Singh’s plea, highlighting reports from his sister indicating a strained relationship between the defendant and the victim, with prior instances of suicidal threats. While no concrete evidence of abuse was presented, Taylor suggested that Cheema-Singh could have potentially cited provocation as a defense or claimed lack of criminal responsibility due to delusional thoughts.
In his defense, lawyer G.J. Partington emphasized Cheema-Singh’s clean record prior to the incident, his pursuit of an engineering degree at McMaster University, and his challenging circumstances living independently without a support system. Partington also shed light on the defendant’s purported history of abuse and his father’s perceived transgressions against Sikh beliefs.
No victim impact statements were submitted during the proceedings, with Taylor acknowledging the emotional turmoil experienced by the Cheema-Singh family, who observed the trial remotely.
For those affected by this distressing account, mental health resources are available in various provinces and territories for support.
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