Tanner Fox and Jose Lopez have been found guilty by a Canadian
court in the murder of NRI Repudaman Singh Malik.

Image Reference By:- BBC

Los Angeles/Oct 21, 2024
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/A.Gary Singh

Two men have pleaded guilty in a Canadian court for the 2022 killing of Ripudaman Singh Malik, a Sikh businessman previously acquitted in connection with the 1985 Air India bombing. Tanner Fox and Jose Lopez admitted to second-degree murder charges in British Columbia Supreme Court, just before their trial for first-degree murder was set to begin.

In a surprising twist, a violent altercation broke out between the two hitmen during the courtroom session in New Westminster. According to reports, Fox and Lopez engaged in a fistfight, trading blows and scratching at each other for several minutes before court sheriffs intervened, restraining and escorting them from the room.

The case is set to return to court on October 31 for sentencing. With second-degree murder convictions, both men face life sentences. The remaining issue is how long they must serve before being eligible for parole, according to CBC reports.
Malik, who was gunned down in his car outside his family business in Surrey, British Columbia, on July 14, 2022, had been acquitted of charges related to the Air India bombing in 2005. The bombing of Air India Flight 182, which killed 329 people, remains Canada’s deadliest terrorist attack.

Although Fox and Lopez have admitted to the killing, the case leaves lingering questions. According to an agreed statement of facts, the two men were hired to assassinate Malik, but authorities have yet to determine who ordered the hit. Two handguns used in the murder and over C$16,000 in cash were found in properties linked to the men, but no further details have been disclosed about those who orchestrated the attack.

Malik’s family has urged authorities to continue their investigation, emphasizing that true justice will only be served when the individuals behind the assassination are held accountable. “Until the parties responsible for hiring them and directing this assassination are brought to justice, the work remains incomplete,” they said in a statement.

While Fox’s lawyer declined to comment, Lopez’s legal team expressed hope for his rehabilitation, citing his remorse and decision to plead guilty. Lopez's lawyers emphasized that his youth and acceptance of responsibility may open up paths to rehabilitation in the future.

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