18.13°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
woman-robbed-in-vancouvers-marpole-area-police-seek-witnesses
BCSep 01, 2026

Woman Robbed in Vancouver’s Marpole Area, Police Seek Witnesses

A woman was robbed in Vancouver’s Marpole neighbourhood, and police are asking witnesses to come forward as the investigation continues. According to police, the incident happened around 1:30 a.m. on August 27. The woman was walking along the west lane of the 8600-block of Granville Street near Southwest Marine Drive when a suspect allegedly punched her in the face, stole her purse and fled the scene. Police searched the surrounding area but were unable to locate the suspect. The victim’s phone was later recovered nearby. Paramedics treated the woman at the scene for injuries to her nose.
mysterious-floating-island-spotted-on-b-c-s-williston-lake-boaters-warned-to-stay-away
BCSep 01, 2026

Mysterious Floating Island Spotted on B.C.’s Williston Lake, Boaters Warned to Stay Away

A mysterious floating island spotted on B.C.’s Williston Lake has prompted authorities to issue a warning to boaters. According to BC Hydro spokesperson Bob Gammer, the floating island is about one hectare in size and is covered entirely with trees and lush vegetation. It was first spotted by satellite in mid-August but later suddenly disappeared. The island was spotted again on Monday, and appears to have travelled about 30 kilometres from its previous location over the past two weeks. Gammer believes the formation is not solid land, but rather a highly unstable mass of tree roots, logs and
relief-for-surrey-residents-no-new-extortion-or-shooting-cases-reported-in-august
BCSep 01, 2026

Relief for Surrey Residents: No New Extortion or Shooting Cases Reported in August

Surrey residents and business owners have received some encouraging news, with the Surrey Police Service (SPS) reporting that no new extortion threats or extortion-related shootings were recorded in the city throughout August. According to the latest update from SPS, the improvement is being attributed to ongoing joint efforts involving police, local businesses and the wider community. Police say these collaborative efforts are now producing positive results on the ground. SPS emphasized, however, that officers continue to actively investigate previous extortion cases, pursue legal action and
BCSep 01, 2026

B.C. Government Announces Nearly 1,200 New Child-Care Spaces Across 22 School Districts

The British Columbia government has announced plans to create nearly 1,200 new licensed before-and-after-school child-care spaces across 22 school districts, including Surrey. Under the initiative, Peace Arch Elementary and Theresa Clarke Elementary in the Surrey School District will each receive 24 new child-care spaces. B.C. Minister of Education and Child Care Lisa Beare said the time before and after school can be particularly challenging for parents who are balancing work and family responsibilities. Having child care available directly within school grounds will provide families with con
AlbertaSep 01, 2026

Nearly 400 Alberta Specialist Doctors Show Interest in New Dual-Practice Surgery Model

Nearly 400 specialist doctors in Alberta have expressed interest in participating in the province’s new dual-practice system, which will allow physicians to work within the public health-care system while also providing private services for selected surgeries, including hip and knee replacements. Although the legislation enabling the model is now in place, the office of Surgical Services Minister Adriana LaGrange said doctors must complete a formal application process before any private surgeries can begin. The first dual-practice surgeries are expected to take place this fall, following a r

Related News

Woman Robbed in Vancouver’s Marpole Area, Police Seek Witnesses

Woman Robbed in Vancouver’s Marpole Area, Police Seek Witnesses

A woman was robbed in Vancouver’s Marpole neighbourhood, and police are asking witnesses to come forward as the investigation continues. According to police, the incident happened around 1:30 a.m. on August 27. The woman was walking along the west lane of the 8600-block of Granville Street near Southwest Marine Drive when a suspect allegedly punched her in the face, stole her purse and fled the scene. Police searched the surrounding area but were unable to locate the suspect. The victim’s phone was later recovered nearby. Paramedics treated the woman at the scene for injuries to her nose.
Mysterious Floating Island Spotted on B.C.’s Williston Lake, Boaters Warned to Stay Away

Mysterious Floating Island Spotted on B.C.’s Williston Lake, Boaters Warned to Stay Away

A mysterious floating island spotted on B.C.’s Williston Lake has prompted authorities to issue a warning to boaters. According to BC Hydro spokesperson Bob Gammer, the floating island is about one hectare in size and is covered entirely with trees and lush vegetation. It was first spotted by satellite in mid-August but later suddenly disappeared. The island was spotted again on Monday, and appears to have travelled about 30 kilometres from its previous location over the past two weeks. Gammer believes the formation is not solid land, but rather a highly unstable mass of tree roots, logs and
Relief for Surrey Residents: No New Extortion or Shooting Cases Reported in August

Relief for Surrey Residents: No New Extortion or Shooting Cases Reported in August

Surrey residents and business owners have received some encouraging news, with the Surrey Police Service (SPS) reporting that no new extortion threats or extortion-related shootings were recorded in the city throughout August. According to the latest update from SPS, the improvement is being attributed to ongoing joint efforts involving police, local businesses and the wider community. Police say these collaborative efforts are now producing positive results on the ground. SPS emphasized, however, that officers continue to actively investigate previous extortion cases, pursue legal action and
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