A California man has been arrested for murder after the burned remains of his wife were discovered, days after he claimed she had been taken by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Jasmine Gill, 30, was last seen at the Sacramento home she shared with her husband, Gurinder Singh Gill, on 30 September. Her cousin reported her missing on 4 October.
Gurinder, 28, told investigators that ICE agents had detained Jasmine while she was checking the post. However, the agency told detectives that no enforcement activity had taken place at the property.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office said detectives found inconsistencies in Gurinder’s account as the investigation progressed. They also learned that the couple were divorcing and involved in a dispute over child custody.
Burned human remains had been found in El Dorado County on 1 October, the sheriff’s office said. They were later identified as Jasmine’s.
Gurinder was arrested on Wednesday and booked into Sacramento County Main Jail on a murder charge. Sheriff’s Office records indicate that he is currently ineligible for bail.
He was arraigned on Friday afternoon, according to Sacramento Superior Court records. No further court date was listed in the available judicial or sheriff’s office records, and no lawyer was listed for him.
A missing-persons poster said Jasmine had been seen walking near Headstock Street and Allegretto Way in Sacramento County. She was described as 5ft 3in tall and weighing about 137lb, and was believed to have been wearing white pyjamas with red polka dots.
The poster stated: “New information indicates her safety may be at risk.”
Jasmine’s family said she was the mother of an eight-month-old boy and had worked as a registered nurse. A fundraising page set up by a relative said she had followed her Indian mother into the profession.
The appeal said Jasmine had been seeking “freedom, safety, and fresh start” for herself and her baby. It added that she had been murdered before she could build the future she was working towards.
The family said funds would help with legal assistance relating to custody and the child’s welfare, as well as returning Jasmine’s body to India. About 6,000 dollars had been raised by Saturday night.
