On the surface, Prem and Jan Singh not only had it all, but had everything to live for.
Their beloved daughter’s wedding was just last fall. They just returned from a vacation in India and a new trip around the world was planned.
Needless to say, neighbours of the well-respected couple on Summerhill Cres., in the Ninth Line and Upper Middle Rd. E. section of Oakville, were stunned to find that they were both found dead in their spacious suburban home Wednesday by Halton Regional Police.
Police have confirmed a shooting occurred at the home of the 69-year-old man and 70-year-old woman. They say a gun has been located inside the house.
Armed tactical officers were responding to a 911 call believed to be made from inside the house.
Neighbour Lesia Kovar described police in the early hours of the morning Wednesday using a megaphone to order the people inside 1414 Summerhill to come out of the house with their hands up.
When they didn’t, Kovar said police kicked down the door and entered.
Sources indicate it is being looked at as a suicide or murder-suicide, though police have not confirmed as much, saying only that the investigation is ongoing.
It simply does not add up, says the man who lived next door to them for 25 years and who did not ever see one red flag.
“We are shocked by this because they are the nicest people,” said Ralph Geronimo. “I does not make any sense.”
Not only did he know this couple but they were close. He and his wife attended their daughter Veronica’s wedding and had been guests in their home many times.
“Very good people,” said Geronimo. “I feel so bad for Veronica.”
Ralph said just a week ago he talked with “Prem, who thanked me for shovelling his snow when they were away.”
He saw no warning signs of impending trouble. Police were looking into the family’s background to search for a potential catalyst to police showing up to the scene before sunrise.
The Sun has learned, up until a year ago the Singhs had owned and operated a multi-million dollar furniture and toy company in Brantford called Loger Toys Ltd., which closed its doors in 2016. Documents show the company going into receivership, litigation with a major bank with claims of failed payments, as well as a very public auction of machines, equipment and inventory. The company’s online presence says the enterprise is “permanently closed.”
But Geronimo said not only did he not hear of any financial concerns, he did not notice any issues either. He cited the couple’s upcoming global junket as an example and it was not lost on anybody on the scene that there was a Mercedes sitting in a driveway.
Of course, you never do know what is going on behind closed doors with anybody. What is known is the Singhs in life were “lovely people,” who sadly are not longer with us.