23.92°C Vancouver
connect fm logo

Jan 28, 2025 1:28 PM - The Canadian Press

Hitmen face sentencing for B.C. murder of former Air India suspect Malik

Share On
hitmen-face-sentencing-for-b-c-murder-of-former-air-india-suspect-malik
Tanner Fox and accomplice Jose Lopez pleaded guilty last October to second-degree murder (Photo: The Canadian Press)

One of the admitted hitmen who killed former Air India bombing suspect Ripudaman Singh Malik is set to be sentenced for his part in the murder today in a New Westminster, B.C., courtroom.

Tanner Fox and accomplice Jose Lopez pleaded guilty to second-degree murder last October, with Fox scheduled to be sentenced today, and Lopez due back in court on Friday. Malik, who was acquitted of charges related to the 1985 Air India bombing, was shot dead in Surrey, B.C, on July 14, 2022. Fox and Lopez, who were both in their early 20s at the time of the killing, were originally charged with first-degree murder less than two weeks after the killing. They still face automatic life sentences on the lesser charges of second-degree murder. Crown prosecutors and defence lawyers have jointly proposed that they not be eligible for parole for 20 years.

An agreed statement of facts provided by the BC Prosecution Service says Fox and Lopez were "hired and paid" to carry out the murder, but police and prosecutors have not revealed who they believe hired the pair to assassinate the Sikh businessman. Malik was shot dead in his Tesla at a business park in Surrey, B.C. In 2005, Malik was acquitted in B.C. Supreme Court along with his co-accused, Ajaib Singh Bagri, of charges related to the bombings aimed at two Air India planes that killed 331 people in June 1985. One bomb blew up over the ocean off Ireland, killing all 329 on board, while the second device exploded at Narita airport in Japan, killing two baggage handlers.

A 2005 Canadian government report concluded the bombings were carried out by Sikh Khalistani separatists in Canada, including bomb maker Inderjit Singh Reyat, who was convicted of manslaughter.

Latest news

See All
surrey-medical-school-welcomes-first-class-as-b-c-expands-family-doctor-training
BCAug 05, 2026

SFU Medical School Welcomes First 48 Students to Address B.C.'s Doctor Shortage

Simon Fraser University's new medical school in Surrey, B.C., has officially welcomed its first class of 48 students, marking a major milestone in the province's efforts to tackle the ongoing shortage of family doctors and primary care providers. The inaugural group began orientation on Wednesday and will follow an accelerated, year-round medical program that allows students to earn their Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in three years instead of the traditional four. The first graduates are expected to begin residency training as early as 2029. B.C. Premier David Eby described the new school as
BCAug 05, 2026

Vancouver home sales fall nearly 10% in July, erasing June gains

Home sales across the Vancouver region slowed again in July, falling nearly 10 per cent from a year earlier and wiping out the gains recorded in June. According to Greater Vancouver Realtors, a total of 2,061 residential properties were sold last month, down 9.8 per cent compared with July 2025. Sales were also 18.6 per cent below the region's 10-year seasonal average. Andrew Lis, Chief Economist and Vice-President of Data Analytics at Greater Vancouver Realtors, said the real estate market has followed a pattern of "one step forward and one step back" over the past several years, with the Jun
indian-origin-hiker-missing-on-vancouver-island-massive-search-operation-underway
CanadaAug 05, 2026

Indian-origin hiker missing on Vancouver Island, massive search operation underway

An Indian-origin man has gone missing while hiking in Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island, prompting an extensive search operation involving helicopters, search dogs and specialized rescue teams. According to RCMP, 25-year-old Keshav Jindal was last seen hiking on Mount Albert Edward on the afternoon of Aug. 3. He has not been seen or heard from since. RCMP said Jindal is approximately 5-foot-7 in height. Comox Valley Search and Rescue spokesperson Paul Berry said Jindal was hiking toward the summit with a companion when the two became separated along the trail. He failed to return
westjet-resumes-normal-operations-after-flight-attendant-strike
CanadaAug 05, 2026

WestJet resumes normal operations after flight attendant strike

Canada's second-largest airline, WestJet, has announced that it has fully resumed normal operations following disruptions caused by a flight attendant strike. The airline said it is back to its regular schedule and is continuing to rebook passengers whose flights were cancelled over the weekend. According to WestJet, all scheduled flights on Wednesday are operating without disruption. The airline also thanked customers for their patience as it worked to restore services throughout the week. Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows that after more than 900 flights were cancelled between S
trump-says-us-iran-talks-made-very-good-progress-raising-hopes-of-easing-tensions
WorldAug 05, 2026

Trump says US-Iran talks made "very good" progress, raising hopes of easing tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump has said his administration's day-long talks with Iran on Tuesday were "very good," raising fresh hopes that the five-month-long conflict could soon move toward a resolution. Following Trump's remarks, oil prices fell across Asian markets while stock markets rallied, reflecting growing investor optimism. Markets are anticipating a possible agreement that could help restore shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies. Trump has previously warned that failure to reach a deal with Iran could lead to large-scale military act

Related News

SFU Medical School Welcomes First 48 Students to Address B.C.'s Doctor Shortage

SFU Medical School Welcomes First 48 Students to Address B.C.'s Doctor Shortage

Simon Fraser University's new medical school in Surrey, B.C., has officially welcomed its first class of 48 students, marking a major milestone in the province's efforts to tackle the ongoing shortage of family doctors and primary care providers. The inaugural group began orientation on Wednesday and will follow an accelerated, year-round medical program that allows students to earn their Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in three years instead of the traditional four. The first graduates are expected to begin residency training as early as 2029. B.C. Premier David Eby described the new school as
Vancouver home sales fall nearly 10% in July, erasing June gains

Vancouver home sales fall nearly 10% in July, erasing June gains

Home sales across the Vancouver region slowed again in July, falling nearly 10 per cent from a year earlier and wiping out the gains recorded in June. According to Greater Vancouver Realtors, a total of 2,061 residential properties were sold last month, down 9.8 per cent compared with July 2025. Sales were also 18.6 per cent below the region's 10-year seasonal average. Andrew Lis, Chief Economist and Vice-President of Data Analytics at Greater Vancouver Realtors, said the real estate market has followed a pattern of "one step forward and one step back" over the past several years, with the Jun
Dodge Pickup Crashes Outside Abbotsford A&W, Driver Hospitalized

Dodge Pickup Crashes Outside Abbotsford A&W, Driver Hospitalized

A Dodge pickup truck crashed outside an A&W restaurant in Abbotsford on Wednesday morning after veering off the road along Sumas Way between Marshall Road and South Fraser Way. According to Abbotsford Police, the truck left the roadway, struck a light pole and then came to rest on the retaining wall beneath the restaurant's drive-thru sign. The impact also knocked down a nearby hotel sign. Police shared details of the incident at around 8:30 a.m. Officers cordoned off the restaurant entrance with police tape while emergency crews responded to the scene. The driver, who was injured in the c
connect fm logo

Legals

Privacy policy
Journalism code of ethics
© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.
MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

About
Advertisers
Careers
Contact
Feedback
Accessibility Plan
Broadcasting Notice of Consultation
BC Children's Hospital
Android app linkApple app link