Two Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Maple Ridge Manslaughter

Sentencing After 2023 Maple Ridge Death

Two people have been sentenced in connection with the death of a Maple Ridge man more than two years after the incident. Kimberley Buitenweg, 33, and Joseph McWilliams, 44, both from Maple Ridge, received five years in prison each on December 8 for the manslaughter of 55-year-old Surinderjit “Jack” Singh. The court also imposed a 10-year prohibition on firearm possession for both individuals. 

Singh’s body was found just after 7:30 a.m. on March 4, 2023 in the 21800-block of 122 Avenue in Maple Ridge. First responders from police and BC Emergency Health Services pronounced him deceased at the scene, which was treated as suspicious. 

From Murder Charges to Manslaughter Pleas

Initial charges of second-degree murder were laid against Buitenweg and McWilliams on May 12, 2023 following an investigation by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) in collaboration with Ridge Meadows RCMP, the Integrated Forensic Identification Service and the BC Coroners Service. 

Earlier this year both defendants entered guilty pleas to the lesser offence of manslaughter, with their pleas recorded on May 2 and May 27 respectively. The sentencing on December 8 reflects those pleas and the court’s assessment of the case facts and circumstances. 

Impact on Family and Community

Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT described the death as a tragic event that has had a lasting effect on Singh’s family and friends, expressing appreciation for the joint effort by investigators and partner agencies that brought the case to its conclusion. 

The five-year prison terms, along with the firearms prohibition, are intended to reflect both accountability for the unlawful killing and public safety concerns. However manslaughter sentences often draw discussion about sentencing standards and the balance between punishment, rehabilitation and societal protection.

What Happens Next

Following sentencing, Buitenweg and McWilliams will serve their prison terms before becoming eligible for parole under standard provincial and federal procedures. The decade-long firearms ban will remain in force after their release, barring them from legally possessing firearms under Canadian law unless exceptional relief is granted.

The case underscores long investigative and legal processes often involved in serious criminal matters and the role of both Crown counsel and defence negotiations in determining final outcomes in court.

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