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Toronto man testifies in murder trial, claims anger led to violence
In a gripping courtroom scene, Godfrey Sig-Od, a 49-year-old man from Toronto, took the stand to defend himself against charges of first-degree murder for the deaths of his ex-wife, Elvie Sig-Od, and their daughter, Angelica Sig-Od.
The emotional testimony unfolded as Sig-Od described a day filled with escalating tensions that culminated in tragedy.
Unraveling emotions and financial disputes
Sig-Od recounted the events of August 26, 2022, when he had planned to renew his passport with the assistance of his ex-wife and daughter.
He expressed frustration over a financial dispute, stating that Elvie demanded $3,000 she claimed he owed her for sponsoring his immigration to Canada. “I was telling her, ‘Just give it to me. Somebody I know will help me,’” he testified, emphasizing his desperation and anger.
The tension escalated as he felt that both Elvie and Angelica were dismissive of his concerns, particularly regarding his mother back in the Philippines.
The moment of violence
As the situation intensified, Sig-Od described how his anger reached a boiling point.
“All I know was my anger exploded and I do not know what happened,” he stated, gesturing dramatically as he recalled the moment he picked up a knife. He claimed he had no intention of harming them, insisting that he was overwhelmed by emotion.
“I was very mad,” he reiterated, struggling to piece together the events that led to the fatal stabbings of both his ex-wife and daughter.
Confronting the aftermath
In the aftermath of the violence, Sig-Od described a scene of horror, finding both women lying in a pool of blood.
“What I know next is they were all lying there and they were all bloody,” he said, his voice breaking. The jury has already heard that Elvie suffered 14 stab wounds while Angelica endured 19. Sig-Od’s emotional turmoil was palpable as he questioned why this tragedy had occurred, expressing disbelief that financial disputes could lead to such devastating consequences.
Throughout his testimony, Sig-Od maintained that he did not plan the murders, asserting that his actions were a result of an emotional explosion rather than premeditated intent. As the trial continues, the jury will have to weigh his claims against the evidence presented, including testimonies from witnesses who described the chaotic moments leading up to the violence.
