3rd suspect, getaway vehicle involved in June killing of B.C. Sikh leader, police say

Homicide investigators say a third suspect was involved in the slaying of a Sikh leader outside a Surrey gurdwara in June.

The third suspect was seen in a silver 2000 Toyota Camry that was waiting on 121 Street for the other two suspects, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team announced at a news conference Wednesday.

Investigators had previously said they believed the two suspects met a getaway car after killing Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18.

Nijjar was found with multiple gunshot wounds outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara. The two suspects, described only as “heavy-set men wearing face coverings,” were seen fleeing the scene on foot, heading south through Cougar Creek Park.

The suspects met up with the Camry near the intersection of 121 Street and 68 Avenue, IHIT said Wednesday.

Investigators released a surveillance photo showing the Camry at the intersection of 128 Street and 72 Avenue.

Investigators released a surveillance photo showing the Camry at the intersection of 128 Street and 72 Avenue. (IHIT)

In the aftermath of the incident, police said they had not determined a motive for the shooting, but that didn’t stop hundreds of people from protesting at the Indian consulate in Vancouver in late June, calling his death “foreign interference.” 

The protesters told The Canadian Press they are convinced the killing was linked to Nijjar’s active role in advocating for an independent Sikh state of Khalistan in India.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

With files from The Canadian Press