Everton Biddersingh was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of his teenage daughter 21 years ago, as the jury at the trial in Toronto returned its verdict only hours after deliberations began on Thursday morning, according to CBC News.
Everton Biddersingh, 60, had pleaded not guilty in the death of 17-year-old Melonie Biddersingh, whose body was found in a burning suitcase north of Toronto in 1994. The crown alleged that after years of prolonged abuse, Everton Biddersingh drowned or starved his daughter.
Melonie's brother, Cleon Biddersingh, was a key witness in the case. He testified that in addition to beatings and starvation, Melonie was frequently chained to the wall, confined to the broom closet and her head forced into the toilet. He claimed that in the days before her death, she could barely walk and couldn't keep down any food, according to Global News.
Elaine Biddersingh also testified, claiming her "monster" husband beat her daily, contrary to any supporting evidence. She also testified that she accompanied her husband, on his orders, to an industrial area north of Toronto, where Melonie's charred body was found.
Superior Court Justice Al O'Marra noted that Elaine Biddersingh was present during the abuse of the teen, and faces her own first-degree murder trial in April. "She has an interest in the outcome of the case, a strong motivation to lie," O'Marra said.
The case had taken two decades to get to trial because police weren't able to identify Melonie's remains. Police arrested Everton Biddersingh and his wife in March 2012 after receiving a tip that broke open the case, according to The Winnipeg Free Press.
"His reign of terror over Melonie ultimately resulted in her death," Crown prosecutor Mary Humphrey said in closing arguments. "But for his actions or his omissions, Melonie would have been alive today. She would have been 38 years old."
Victim impact statements and sentencing have been scheduled for Feb. 8, according to CBC News.
