Toronto man sentenced to 11 years after mistaken-identity killing in Edmonton

A man involved in a deadly break-and-enter in 2023 will spend more than 10 years in prison. CTV News Edmonton's Amanda Anderson reports.

A man involved in a deadly break-in at an Edmonton home on New Year’s Day in 2023 will spend more than a decade in prison.

The case of mistaken identity left a father dead and one of his daughters injured.

A Toronto man was before a judge in Edmonton on Friday, accused of first-degree murder.

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In an agreed statement of facts, the court heard Tevahn Orr and an accomplice broke down the front door of a home on Jan. 1, 2023.

Both were armed with loaded handguns. According to the facts, it was the accomplice who fired two shots at Barinder Singh, who later died.

Singh’s wife and daughters tried to hide. The court heard the accomplice fired three more shots when they got inside, and one of the bullets hit the daughter who was hiding in the bathroom.

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Orr was also hit by a bullet, with his DNA found on a bullet recovered from the scene.

He pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter with a weapon on Friday.

The court also heard from Singh’s family. Often through tears they described him as a happy-go-lucky person, and said how their lives have changed since his death.

His wife became very emotional at times as she spoke about the emotional and financial toll Orr has caused them.

Orr apologized when he addressed the court but the family told CTV News Edmonton they do not accept his apology, as they believe it was just an attempt for leniency from the Justice.

The judge accepted a joint sentence submission made by the Crown and defence of 11 years in prison.

“You consider that the minimum sentence for murder in the second degree is a 10-year minimum parole eligibility,” the Crown said. “Mr. Orr’s sentence at 11 years reflects the seriousness of what happened to this family.”

The justice told Orr she hopes his injury serves as a reminder of the injury he caused the young woman and her family.

Orr will be given credit for time served since his arrest.