Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in Slaying of Indian Student in Canada

8 August, 2025

Canadian police have arrested and charged a 32-year-old man with first-degree murder for the killing of Harsimrat Randhawa, a 21-year-old Indian student. Randhawa was struck by a stray bullet in Hamilton, Ontario, in April while waiting for a bus. Police say she was an innocent bystander caught in a dispute involving multiple people in cars. The suspect, Jerdaine Foster, was arrested at Niagara Falls and also faces three counts of attempted murder. The investigation remains ongoing.

Unpacked:

Who was Harsimrat Randhawa and what was she doing in Canada?

Harsimrat Randhawa was a 21-year-old international student from India studying at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario. She had come to Canada two years prior and was returning home from a local gym when she was killed.

What do we know about the circumstances that led to the shooting?

The shooting resulted from a dispute between at least two groups in several vehicles near a bus stop. At least seven people were involved, and multiple guns were fired during the altercation. Randhawa was an uninvolved bystander caught in the crossfire.

Who is Jerdaine Foster, and was he known to the police before this incident?

Jerdaine Foster is a 32-year-old man from Niagara Falls who has been charged with first-degree murder and three counts of attempted murder. Police confirmed that Foster was already known to law enforcement prior to this incident.

Are police seeking additional suspects, and how is the investigation progressing?

Yes, police believe at least seven individuals were involved in the altercation and are continuing to identify, locate, and arrest others responsible. The investigation remains active, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.