Patrick Jackson
BBC News
Two hitmen, Tanner Fox and Jose Lopez, have pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder of Sikh businessman Ripudaman Singh Malik in a Canadian court. Their pleas were entered in British Columbia Supreme Court just before their trial for first-degree murder was set to begin.
The courtroom proceedings took a dramatic turn when a violent altercation broke out between Fox and Lopez, who were reportedly “punching and clawing at each other” until sheriffs intervened, restraining them and clearing the public gallery.
The case is scheduled to return to court on October 31 for a sentencing hearing. The second-degree murder convictions will lead to life sentences for both men, with the focus now on how long they will serve before becoming eligible for parole.
Malik was shot multiple times in his vehicle outside his family business in Surrey, British Columbia, on July 14, 2022. A burned-out vehicle was found nearby, prompting an investigation that linked Fox and Lopez to the crime.
Notably, Malik was acquitted in 2005 of all charges related to the 1985 bombing of Air India flight 182, which tragically killed 329 people. The bombings were believed to be acts of retaliation by Canadian-based Sikhs following the Indian government’s assault on the Golden Temple in 1984, marking Canada’s deadliest terrorist attack.
According to court documents, Fox and Lopez were contracted to kill Malik, though the identity of their employer remains unclear. Police recovered two handguns used in the shooting at residences linked to the men, along with nearly C$16,500 in cash found in Lopez’s apartment.
Malik’s family has urged law enforcement to continue the investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible for orchestrating the assassination. “Until the parties responsible for hiring them and directing this assassination are brought to justice, the work remains incomplete,” they stated.
When asked for comments, Fox’s lawyer declined to respond, while Lopez’s legal representatives expressed hope for his rehabilitation, noting his acceptance of responsibility and youth.