RCMP say highway shooting that killed international student not racially motivated, second suspect charged

Alberta RCMP say the fatal highway shooting of a 22-year-old international student from India was not motivated by race, as investigators confirm a second person has been charged in the case.

Sgt. John Brown told a news conference Wednesday that the March 14 shooting near Leduc, south of Edmonton, does not appear to be linked to hate, road rage or a gang initiation. Birinder Singh was travelling with two friends toward the Rocky Mountains when a pickup truck driving alongside them made a hand gesture before shots were fired, according to RCMP.

Police say a bullet struck Singh in the neck. One of the passengers then took control of the vehicle and pulled over on the highway. Singh later died of his injuries.

The World Sikh Organization had previously raised concerns about possible racial motivation, noting the victims were wearing turbans. Brown said investigators have found no evidence to support that theory.

“I would tell the Sikh community that it’s a very unfortunate incident, but I would not believe that there is a pattern whatsoever,” Brown said, adding that such shootings are rare and concerning even for experienced investigators.

RCMP say they remain in contact with Singh’s family in India and that the motive has not been fully determined. A 23-year-old Edmonton man, already in custody on an unrelated matter, has been charged with second-degree murder and accessory after the fact. An 18-year-old from Lloydminster was arrested earlier, on March 21, in Saskatchewan.