A wave of grief has swept through the Indian community in Canada following the tragic death of 22-year-old Gurasis Singh, a promising student from Ludhiana, Punjab. Singh, who had embarked on his postgraduate studies in business management at Lambton College in Toronto just four months prior, was fatally stabbed during a violent altercation with his 36-year-old roommate, Crossley Hunter, in their shared accommodation at 194 Queen Street, Sarnia, Ontario.
The incident unfolded in the early hours of December 1st, 2024. According to reports from The London Free Press and Sarnia police, a heated argument in the shared kitchen escalated into a deadly confrontation. Hunter allegedly used a knife, inflicting multiple stab wounds on Singh. Emergency services responded to a 911 call, arriving at the scene to find Singh with severe injuries. Hunter was apprehended at the scene and immediately charged with second-degree murder.
Singh, a recent graduate of the Punjab College of Technical Education (PCTE) in Baddowal, had pursued his academic dreams in Canada, aiming to build a future in business management. His aspirations were tragically cut short by this senseless act of violence. The incident has left his family and friends in profound shock and sorrow, grappling with the sudden and devastating loss of a bright young life.
Two days after the incident, Hunter appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in London via video link from the Sarnia Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 6th, 2024. Court records indicate that Hunter, originally from Muskoka, had relocated to Sarnia for work after a fire destroyed his family’s boat-building business. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the murder is ongoing, as confirmed by Sarnia Police Chief Derek Davis.
In a statement released to the public, Chief Davis emphasized the complex nature of the ongoing investigation, stating that the Sarnia Police Criminal Investigations Division is meticulously gathering all available evidence to determine the precise circumstances and any potential motive behind the crime. He explicitly stated that, at this time, the police do not believe the crime to be racially motivated. The Sarnia Police Service, in collaboration with Lambton College, is committed to supporting Singh’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time, offering them assistance as they navigate this devastating loss. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community support and the urgent need to address violence within shared living spaces.