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Abbotsford, Canada: A court in Canada has found three individuals of Indian descent guilty of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of a couple in Abbotsford, as reported by local media.

The victims, Arnold and Joanne De Jong, were discovered deceased in their home in May 2022.

On Friday, British Columbia Supreme Court Justice Brenda Brown determined that Gurkaran Singh, Abhijeet Singh, and Khushveer Toor were actively involved in the couple's murder.

The judge concurred with the prosecution's assertion that the killings were driven by financial motives, dismissing the defense's claim that the incident stemmed from a botched robbery.

According to prosecutors, the trio had conspired to rob and murder the De Jongs, stealing items such as credit cards, checks, and a power washer from their residence.

All three men were employed at a cleaning service owned by Abhijeet Singh, which had previously worked at the De Jongs' home.

Initially, the accused, all in their twenties, pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder at the trial's commencement.

The couple was found dead in separate bedrooms; Arnold had duct tape around his head and face, while Joanne was discovered with blood surrounding her. Their limbs were bound with rope.

Circumstantial evidence presented by the prosecution linked the three men to the crime, including DNA found at the scene, rope believed to have been used to restrain Arnold, and a metal baseball bat found in the suspects' vehicle.

Additionally, prosecutors highlighted phone records indicating that Abhijeet Singh conducted internet searches after the murders, including inquiries about the penalties for murder in Canada.

Sentencing for the three individuals is set for May 28.