Glove Evidence Highlights Gurjit Singh Murder Trial Dynamics

A fragment of a glove found near the body of Gurjit Singh has taken a central role in the ongoing murder trial of Rajinder, who is accused of killing the 27-year-old man last year. Singh’s partially decapitated body was discovered outside the shattered window of his home in Liberton, Dunedin, on January 29, 2022. The prosecution alleges that Rajinder purchased gloves just hours before the murder, potentially linking him to the crime.

In the High Court at Dunedin, forensic scientist Sally Coulson from PHF Science provided critical testimony regarding the glove fragment. She stated that the glove, found at the crime scene, exhibited characteristics matching a pair purchased by Rajinder from Bunnings Warehouse. Although the original gloves bought by Rajinder have not been recovered, Coulson noted that the fragment had a distinct black nylon lining beneath a rubber nitrile overlay, along with a unique missing V-shaped section.

Coulson explained that her analysis revealed the glove’s construction matched only about 1% of similar gloves available online, offering “strong support” for the idea that it came from the same batch as those purchased by the defendant. During cross-examination by defence counsel Anne Stevens KC, Coulson acknowledged that there could be thousands of such gloves in circulation, which could weaken the link to Rajinder.

The defence also focused on a “wave-like pattern” on the glove, suggesting that it may have resulted from normal wear and tear. Forensic expert Tim Power analyzed samples from the glove fragment and stated that the DNA findings were insufficient for a conclusive comparison, indicating the presence of DNA from at least two individuals.

The trial also examined additional evidence, including the footwear belonging to Rajinder. Details surrounding the seizure of these shoes remain suppressed, but Dr. Coulson identified three glass fragments on them that potentially matched the type of glass from Singh’s broken window. Despite this, she noted that 5% of buildings use similar glass, which provided only “moderate support” for the prosecution’s case.

During the proceedings, jurors viewed images of broken glass in Rajinder’s Toyota work vehicle, leading co-counsel Katy Barker to suggest he could have stepped on the glass while retrieving items from the van. Prior to Singh’s death, Rajinder employed him as a fibre-optic installation technician.

Detective Constable Sheree Clark revealed that she reviewed CCTV footage from Singh’s workplace on January 29, where Rajinder was observed arriving at 9:56 AM and using an industrial bin. Under questioning, she confirmed that she had not checked prior footage to determine how frequently Rajinder utilized the bins.

The trial proceedings have highlighted the grisly nature of Singh’s death, with evidence indicating that he suffered at least 46 stab wounds. The defence has argued that such violence implies a degree of intent but insists that Rajinder had no cause for animosity towards Singh.

As the trial unfolds, the court continues to examine the intricate details surrounding the evidence and the allegations against Rajinder.