3.64°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
b-c-updates-safety-measures-after-alleged-breach-in-surrey-memorial-neonatal-unit
BCDec 02, 2025

B.C. updates safety measures after alleged breach in Surrey Memorial neonatal unit

B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne says a recent security breach inside Surrey Memorial Hospital’s neonatal unit has raised serious concerns about patient safety across the Fraser Health region. She told the legislature the incident was “extremely distressing” for families and staff, and confirmed that Fraser Health has implemented additional safety procedures in response. Surrey RCMP allege that a woman entered the specialized care unit without authorization and made skin-to-skin contact with three newborns. Investigators say 35-year-old Lindsey Hirtreiter is now facing three counts of
vancouver-police-warn-of-rising-distraction-thefts-targeting-seniors
CanadaDec 02, 2025

Vancouver Police warn of rising distraction thefts targeting seniors

Vancouver Police are urging residents to take extra precautions after a sharp increase in distraction thefts reported in the city last month, with most incidents occurring in East Vancouver. Investigators say 20 cases were recorded in November, representing a significant jump compared to the same month last year. Police say the thefts typically target older adults and involve suspects approaching victims in public areas near their homes. Officers describe a consistent pattern in which a person offers fake jewelry and invades the victim’s personal space, using sleight-of-hand techniques to qu
rcmp-says-national-crackdown-seized-hundreds-of-kilograms-of-fentanyl-and-disrupted-trafficking-networks
CanadaDec 02, 2025

RCMP says national crackdown seized hundreds of kilograms of fentanyl and disrupted trafficking networks

A months-long enforcement initiative involving the RCMP and several other police agencies across Canada has resulted in the seizure of 386 kilograms of fentanyl along with large quantities of other illegal drugs. The coordinated effort ran from late May to the end of October and focused on production sites, trafficking groups and the financial networks that support the illicit drug trade. Police say the operation led to thousands of arrests and charges nationwide. That included 217 individuals accused of trafficking fentanyl while already out on bail, highlighting what investigators describe a
AlbertaDec 02, 2025

Alberta launches single police review body aimed at improving transparency

Alberta has consolidated its police oversight system under a new Police Review Commission, a move the provincial government says will simplify how the public files concerns about police conduct. Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis announced the start of operations on Monday, saying the province wanted a clearer and more consistent process for handling complaints. The new commission replaces a mix of police service units and external agencies that previously managed different parts of the disciplinary process. The province says the centralized model is intended to reduce confusion for residents a
imran-khans-sister-reports-meeting-at-adiala-jail-as-rumours-over-former-pms-health-intensify
WorldDec 02, 2025

Imran Khan’s Sister Reports Meeting at Adiala Jail as Rumours Over Former PM’s Health Intensify

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder and former prime minister Imran Khan received a rare family visit at Adiala Jail today, following weeks of speculation over his condition. His sister Uzma Khanum met him for about 30 minutes and later said he appeared physically stable, while alleging that he has been subjected to psychological pressure during custody. The visit came after supporters of the party continued to voice concern about Khan’s isolation and lack of access to family. Uzma said the former prime minister has been kept confined to his cell for most of the day with limited communication,

Related News

B.C. updates safety measures after alleged breach in Surrey Memorial neonatal unit

B.C. updates safety measures after alleged breach in Surrey Memorial neonatal unit

B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne says a recent security breach inside Surrey Memorial Hospital’s neonatal unit has raised serious concerns about patient safety across the Fraser Health region. She told the legislature the incident was “extremely distressing” for families and staff, and confirmed that Fraser Health has implemented additional safety procedures in response. Surrey RCMP allege that a woman entered the specialized care unit without authorization and made skin-to-skin contact with three newborns. Investigators say 35-year-old Lindsey Hirtreiter is now facing three counts of
Police identify victim in Surrey’s sixth homicide of 2025

Police identify victim in Surrey’s sixth homicide of 2025

Investigators with the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team have released the name of the man fatally shot in Surrey late Friday night, hoping the disclosure will generate new leads in the case. Police identified the victim as 26-year-old Jaskaran Birring of Chilliwack, noting he had previous police contacts and was believed to have ties to the drug trade. Officers were called to a residential area shortly before midnight, where they found Birring suffering from critical injuries. Despite emergency medical efforts at the scene, police say he did not survive. IHIT says early evidence indicate
Police boost patrols after unspecified threat targets three Nanaimo high schools

Police boost patrols after unspecified threat targets three Nanaimo high schools

Police in Nanaimo say officers will be stationed throughout the day at three secondary schools after an unspecified threat prompted a precautionary response from local RCMP. The increased presence affects Dover Bay Secondary, Wellington Secondary and Nanaimo District Secondary. According to RCMP, the schools will remain open and classes are expected to continue as scheduled. Officers say the additional patrols are intended to reassure students, staff and families while the nature of the threat continues to be assessed. The Mounties say school liaison officers will be visible on campus througho
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
BC Children's Hospital
Android app linkApple app link