Life Sentence for Hitman in High-Profile Murder Case

A significant legal decision was made in British Columbia, Canada, as Tanner Fox, a 24-year-old hitman, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 20 years. This ruling follows his involvement in the murder of Ripudaman Singh Malik, a Sikh businessman who was acquitted in the infamous 1985 Air India bombing case. The sentencing highlights the ongoing repercussions of a crime that has haunted many for decades.

The Murder of Ripudaman Singh Malik

On July 14, 2022, Ripudaman Singh Malik was shot multiple times while sitting in his car outside his family business in Surrey, British Columbia. The brutal attack shocked the community and raised questions about the motives behind the killing. Tanner Fox and his accomplice, Jose Lopez, were arrested shortly after the incident. They were found guilty of second-degree murder after pleading guilty just before their trial for first-degree murder was set to begin.

During the court proceedings, prosecutor Matthew Stacey revealed that the murder was premeditated. He stated that Fox and Lopez had been financially compensated for their actions, indicating a calculated plan to eliminate Malik. The police discovered a burnt-out vehicle nearby, suggesting that the assailants had attempted to cover their tracks. Malik’s death was particularly poignant given his history; he had been acquitted in 2005 of charges related to the deadly Air India bombing, which remains one of Canada’s most devastating terrorist attacks.

Emotional Pleas from Malik’s Family

The courtroom was filled with emotion as Malik’s family members addressed Fox during the sentencing. His daughter-in-law, Sundeep Kaur Dhaliwal, made a heartfelt plea, urging Fox to disclose the identities of those who hired him to commit the murder. She expressed the family’s fear and anxiety, stating, “This fear and anxiety comes from not knowing who hired you. Are we next?” This sentiment resonated deeply, highlighting the ongoing trauma that Malik’s family faces in the wake of his death.

The family has been vocal about their desire for justice, not just for Malik but also for the truth behind the murder. They have urged Fox and Lopez to cooperate with law enforcement to identify the individuals who orchestrated the killing. The lack of answers has left them feeling vulnerable and unsafe, amplifying their grief and frustration.

The Legacy of the Air India Bombing

The murder of Malik is intricately linked to the tragic events of June 23, 1985, when Air India Flight 182 was bombed, killing all 329 people on board. Most of the victims were Canadian citizens traveling to India. The bombings were believed to be a retaliation by Canadian-based Sikhs for the Indian government’s actions during the 1984 storming of the Golden Temple, a sacred site for Sikhs.

Malik was acquitted of all charges related to the bombings after a lengthy trial that concluded in 2005. The judge ruled that the evidence against him was not credible, allowing him to walk free. However, the shadow of the bombing and its aftermath continued to loom over Malik’s life, culminating in his tragic murder. The unresolved nature of the bombing and the subsequent killing of Malik has left many questions unanswered, fueling ongoing discussions about justice and accountability.

Tanner Fox’s Background and Apology

Tanner Fox’s background adds another layer to this complex case. Born in Thailand and adopted at the age of three by a family in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Fox’s life took a dark turn that led him to commit such a heinous crime. His lawyer, Richard Fowler, expressed uncertainty about where Fox’s life went astray, emphasizing the difficulty in understanding how someone could become involved in such a violent act.

During the sentencing, Fox stood before the court and offered an apology for his actions. “I’m sorry for all the pain and hurt that I’ve caused,” he stated, acknowledging the impact of his crime on Malik’s family. Despite his remorse, the court’s decision reflects the gravity of the offense and the need for accountability in a case that has deeply affected many lives. As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains vigilant, hoping for justice and closure in a case that has stirred emotions and memories of a tragic past.

 


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