The trial judge erred in admitting contentious expert evidence about the presence of a hematoma in Manjit Panghali’s charred remains, says Mukhtiar Panghali’s lawyer Michael Tammen as appeal underway at BC Court of Appeal.
SURREY – The lawyer for an Indo-Canadian man, who was found guilty of killing his pregnant wife in 2006 and burning her body, says the trial judge made a key error and thereby his client’s second degree murder conviction should be overturned.
Mukhtiar Panghali’s lawyer told the BC Court of Appeal that the trial judge erred in admitting contentious expert evidence about the presence of a hematoma in Manjit Panghali’s charred remains, but later deciding to give it no weight.
Michael Tammen says hypothetically Panghali may have taken the stand and denied intending to kill his wife if he didn’t have to go up against expert evidence, reported CKNW news.
Tammen claims that could have led to a manslaughter conviction instead.
Several of the Appeal Court judges have asked if this argument would impact any trial where a judge decides to accept evidence but later decides not to use it.
But Tammen says he’s cautious not to make any general rules, he’s speaking about this one case.
Panghali, who was found guilty on circumstantial evidence, is currently serving a life sentence with no possibility of parole for 15 years.
Panghali was found guilty of killing his pregnant wife Manjit and leaving her burned remains along Deltaport Way.
Manjit’s sister Jasmine Bambra said last year when the appeal was announced that it’s clear her Panghali wants to find a legal loophole.
“My only concern is that there may be a loophole in the system…i don’t know…I’ve never been through this before. I just think the proof was laid out, he was convicted…he’s just trying to get away with murder, again.”
