9.09°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
carney-says-details-of-federal-return-to-office-plan-expected-within-weeks
CanadaDec 08, 2025

Carney says details of federal return-to-office plan expected within weeks

Prime Minister Mark Carney says the federal government will soon clarify how often public servants will be required to work from their offices, signalling that updated expectations should become clearer in the coming weeks. His comments came during a discussion with Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe at the mayor’s monthly breakfast event hosted by the Ottawa Board of Trade and the Ottawa Business Journal. Carney said in-person attendance requirements will not be uniform across the federal workforce and will instead reflect employees’ roles, responsibilities and seniority. He noted that the gover
burnaby-rcmp-seizes-high-value-stolen-goods-after-search-at-vancouver-home
BCDec 08, 2025

Burnaby RCMP seizes high value stolen goods after search at Vancouver home

Burnaby RCMP says a coordinated investigation into organized retail theft has led to the recovery of about $40,000 in stolen merchandise following a search at a Vancouver residence earlier this week. The operation was launched after the detachment’s Community Response Team received information that high end clothing was being resold through an online marketplace. Officers from the Community Response Team and the Bike Section executed the warrant on November 19, locating more than 230 items linked to stores in Burnaby, Vancouver, Coquitlam and West Vancouver. Police also seized more than $2,0
air-transat-pilots-issue-strike-notice-as-contract-talks-stall-flights-set-to-wind-down-early-next-week
CanadaDec 08, 2025

Air Transat pilots issue strike notice as contract talks stall, flights set to wind down early next week

Air Transat travellers are being told to prepare for significant disruption after the union representing the airline’s 750 pilots served a 72-hour strike notice. The Air Line Pilots Association says its members will walk off the job Wednesday morning unless contract talks with Transat A.T. Inc. show meaningful progress. The notice follows nearly a year of negotiations and a 21-day cooling-off period that ends December 10, the first day pilots can legally strike or the company can issue a lockout. Transat says it is continuing round-the-clock discussions but warned that flight operations will
AlbertaDec 08, 2025

Heavy snowfall and high winds expected across northern and southern Alberta through Tuesday

Northern and southeastern Alberta are bracing for significant winter weather as a fast-moving system pushes across the province. Environment Canada says communities throughout the Peace Region, including Grande Prairie and areas near Athabasca, could receive 15 to 30 centimetres of snow by late Monday, with some brief pauses possible before the system intensifies again. South of Edmonton, a winter storm watch has been issued for regions around Red Deer and Medicine Hat. Forecasters warn the incoming front may deliver heavy rain, strong winds and periods of snow, creating unpredictable conditio
nine-year-old-child-dies-after-collision-involving-large-vehicle-in-surreys-newton-area
BCDec 08, 2025

Nine-year-old child dies after collision involving large vehicle in Surrey’s Newton area

A nine-year-old child has died following a collision near a Surrey elementary school on Friday afternoon. Surrey Police Service confirmed the death on Sunday, noting the child had been receiving emergency treatment at a local hospital since the incident. Police say the child was struck by a large cube van–style vehicle at about 2:35 p.m. in the Newton neighbourhood, an area that has seen ongoing concerns from parents and school staff about traffic safety around school zones. Investigators note the driver involved has been cooperating with officers. According to Surrey Police Service, early f

Related News

Burnaby RCMP seizes high value stolen goods after search at Vancouver home

Burnaby RCMP seizes high value stolen goods after search at Vancouver home

Burnaby RCMP says a coordinated investigation into organized retail theft has led to the recovery of about $40,000 in stolen merchandise following a search at a Vancouver residence earlier this week. The operation was launched after the detachment’s Community Response Team received information that high end clothing was being resold through an online marketplace. Officers from the Community Response Team and the Bike Section executed the warrant on November 19, locating more than 230 items linked to stores in Burnaby, Vancouver, Coquitlam and West Vancouver. Police also seized more than $2,0
Nine-year-old child dies after collision involving large vehicle in Surrey’s Newton area

Nine-year-old child dies after collision involving large vehicle in Surrey’s Newton area

A nine-year-old child has died following a collision near a Surrey elementary school on Friday afternoon. Surrey Police Service confirmed the death on Sunday, noting the child had been receiving emergency treatment at a local hospital since the incident. Police say the child was struck by a large cube van–style vehicle at about 2:35 p.m. in the Newton neighbourhood, an area that has seen ongoing concerns from parents and school staff about traffic safety around school zones. Investigators note the driver involved has been cooperating with officers. According to Surrey Police Service, early f
Woman dies after vehicle crashes near Golden Ears Bridge, RCMP investigating

Woman dies after vehicle crashes near Golden Ears Bridge, RCMP investigating

Ridge Meadows RCMP are examining the circumstances surrounding a fatal single–vehicle crash that occurred near the Golden Ears Bridge on Saturday evening. Officers were called to the south end of the bridge at about 8:30 p.m. after reports that a northbound vehicle had gone out of control. Police say a witness saw the vehicle veer off course and strike a light pole. The woman driving the vehicle was the only person inside. Despite immediate efforts by the witness and first responders, she died at the scene. Investigators believe speed may have played a role in the collision. Officers are ask
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