On October 8, 2023, Karanvir Singh, a 34-year-old clerk at Big Bob's Liquor & Market in West Covina, California, was fatally shot during an attempted robbery. Singh confronted two individuals who entered the store and attempted to steal merchandise. During the confrontation, he was shot multiple times in the upper body. Emergency responders transported Singh to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
In the days following the incident, West Covina Police arrested a 17-year-old male from East Los Angeles on suspicion of first-degree murder. Due to his status as a minor, authorities did not release his identity. The juvenile was detained at a local juvenile detention center and was scheduled to appear at the Pomona Courthouse on October 13, 2023.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrests of two additional suspects. On November 16, 2023, 19-year-old Arturo Ornelas of Monterey Park was taken into custody, followed by the December 7, 2023, arrest of 18-year-old Ivan Ventura Vanegas of Alhambra. Both individuals were booked on charges including murder, robbery, accessory to a crime, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Authorities believe all three suspects are members of the same criminal street gang, though the gang's name has not been disclosed.
Ornelas was released on bond, while Vanegas remained in custody without bail. The arrests were the result of ongoing efforts by the West Covina Police Department to bring those responsible for Singh's death to justice. The investigation remains active, with authorities urging anyone with additional information to contact the West Covina Police Department tip line at 626-939-8688 or to leave a tip at lacrimestoppers.org.
Singh had recently immigrated to the United States from India and was working at the store owned by his brother-in-law. He was diligently saving money with the hope of bringing his wife and 12-year-old son to join him in the U.S. His tragic death has left a profound impact on his family and the local community, who remember him as eager and friendly.
