On October 8, 2023, Karanvir Singh, identified in reports as 34 and also referred to as Karan Singh, was working as a clerk at Big Bob’s Liquor & Market in West Covina when two people entered the store and attempted to steal merchandise. Singh confronted them and was shot multiple times in the upper body during the confrontation. He was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead.

In the days after the shooting, West Covina police arrested a 17-year-old male from East Los Angeles on suspicion of first-degree murder; his name was not released because he is a minor. Subsequent arrests included 19-year-old Arturo Ornelas of Monterey Park on November 16, 2023, and 18-year-old Ivan Ventura Vanegas of Alhambra on December 7, 2023. Authorities booked Ornelas and Vanegas on charges including murder, robbery, accessory and conspiracy; officials say all three suspects are believed to be members of the same criminal street gang. Ornelas was released on bond; Vanegas remained held without bail.

Singh had recently immigrated from India and was working at a store owned by his brother-in-law, saving money to bring his wife and 12-year-old son to the United States. The investigation remains active. If anyone has information that could help, please contact the West Covina Police Department tip line at 626-939-8688 or submit a tip at lacrimestoppers.org

Does anyone have information about the robbery or the suspects that could help the ongoing investigation?