While controversial Sikh businessman Ripudaman Singh Malik’s hired killers has confessed to his crime and even showed remorse when he pled guilty to killing Malik, who was acquitted of all charges in the Air India investigation, but there is no word what his hired hitmen, who probably didn’t even know who Malik was, told the police about the alleged Indian government agents who hired them. On July 26, 2022, charges of first-degree murder were approved against 21-year-old Tanner Fox and 23-year-old Jose Lopez. Tanner Fox and Jose Lopez were arrested in their residences without incident. On October 21, 2024, both Tanner Fox and Jose Lopez appeared in the B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster, and each entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder. RCMP indicated last year that Indian government agents were likely behind Malik’s murder when they warned Malik’s elder son that he was in danger during his vacation in Paris. It is most likely that these killers were hired by Indian government agents to do their dirty work just as they did in the killing of Canadian Sikh leader and pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

By PD Raj – Senior Reporter DESIBUZZCanada

SURREY – While controversial Sikh businessman Ripudaman Singh Malik’s hired killers has confessed to his crime and even showed remorse when he pled guilty to killing Malik, who was acquitted of all charges in the Air India investigation, but there is no word what his hired hitmen, who probably didn’t even know who Malik was, told the police about the alleged Indian government agents who hired them.

On July 14, 2022, the Surrey RCMP responded to shots fired at the business complex at 8236 128 Street, Surrey and found Malik suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving interventions, Malik died at scene. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) was called in to investigate.

On July 26, 2022, charges of first-degree murder were approved against 21-year-old Tanner Fox and 23-year-old Jose Lopez. Tanner Fox and Jose Lopez were arrested in their residences without incident.

On October 21, 2024, both Tanner Fox and Jose Lopez appeared in the B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster, and each entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder. There is an automatic sentence of life imprisonment for this offence. Crown Counsel and defence counsel made a joint submission that the parole ineligibility period should be 20 years.

On January 28, 2025, Tanner Fox appeared in the B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster and was sentenced to life in prison with no parole eligibility for 20 years.

Tanner expressed remorse about taking Malik’s life but did not say anything about who hired him.

Tanner Fox told the BC Supreme Court hearing in New Westminster on Tuesday that he was sorry, and was “young and dumb” at the time of the hired killing.

Malik’s son, Jaspreet Singh Malik, said Fox’s sentence gives a “small sense of relief,” but those who hired the killers remain at large.

“The only question that remains now is who hired Mr. Fox and Mr. Lopez,” he said outside the court.

RCMP indicated last year that Indian government agents were likely behind Malik’s murder when they warned Malik’s elder son that he was in danger during his vacation in Paris. It is most likely that these killers were hired by Indian government agents to do their dirty work just as they did in the killing of Canadian Sikh leader and pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

In brief remarks to the court about Malik’s death, Fox said he knew nothing he said could “bring him back.” 

Fox’s lawyer Richard Fowler told the court on Tuesday that the young hit man was adopted by his Canadian parents from Thailand when he was three years old. 

“They obviously did all they could,” Fowler told the court. 

Fowler told the court that Fox grew up in Abbotsford and was a decent student in high school, though it was impossible to say where he went “awry.” 

Jose Lopez is expected to appear in court in March of 2025 for sentencing.

“It is our hope that the sentence delivered yesterday serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of taking another life and that no amount of money is worth life in prison,” says Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT. “The result of this investigation is a testament to the hard work of IHIT and our policing partners.”

The sentence is in line with a joint recommendation from defence and Crown lawyers.