California man convicted of shooting his daughter-in-law in honor killing

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (TCD) -- A 67-year-old man was convicted this week of killing his daughter-in-law after she reportedly insulted and threatened him.

According to KGET-TV, a jury found Jagjit Singh guilty May 4 of first-degree murder for the death of Sumandeep Kaur Kooner. He could face up to life in prison.

On Aug. 26, 2019, Bakersfield Police said they were investigating a shooting death on the 3200 block of Monache Meadows Drive. KBAK/KBFX-TV reports police found a woman who had suffered fatal gunshot wounds and were looking into her death as a homicide. Kern County Jail records show Singh was booked that same day on a first-degree murder charge.

KGET, which cited court documents, reports Singh said he shot Kooner because she was having an affair with another man and she threatened to "sully his honor." Singh reportedly overheard Kooner talking on the phone with that man and saying she wanted to leave her family for him, according to KBAK/KBFX.

Singh reportedly confronted her and tried to convince her not to leave the family. Kooner reportedly threatened to "rip off" Singh’s beard, which was a sign of disrespect to him.

Kooner’s husband was reportedly out of town for work when this happened.

KBAK/KBFX reports Kooner threatened to rip her clothes, call police, and allege that Singh tried to sexually assault her. Singh reportedly retrieved his gun from his bedroom and shot her.

Court documents cited by KBAK/KBFX say, "Singh stated he determined at that time his only choice was to commit an honor killing of his daughter-in-law for her indiscretions and disrespectful behavior."

Singh reportedly shot Kooner in the back of the neck, then shot her again twice.

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