Suspect Charged with Second-Degree Murder in Death of Indian International Student Gurasis Singh

A 22-year-old international student from India, Gurasis Singh, was fatally stabbed during an altercation at a Sarnia rooming house on Sunday, leaving the community in shock. Singh, who had recently embarked on a business management program at Lambton College, was described as a quiet individual with big dreams.

Lambton College confirmed Singh’s identity in a statement released Tuesday. “Students are at the heart of Lambton College, and the loss of a student is a tragedy of the highest magnitude. We extend our deepest condolences to Gurasis’s family, loved ones, and friends,” the college stated. The institution has since offered counseling services to its students and staff.

Sarnia police reported that a physical altercation occurred early Sunday in the kitchen of a rooming house located at 194 Queen Street. During the fight, one resident allegedly stabbed the other multiple times, resulting in Singh’s death.

The accused, 36-year-old Crossley Hunter of Sarnia, has been charged with second-degree murder. Hunter appeared briefly in court via video link and is set to reappear on Friday.

Singh’s tragic death has prompted an outpouring of grief and outrage across social media, with calls for improved safety measures for international students in Canada.

“Gurasis came to Canada full of dreams and aspirations, just like so many of us who leave behind our families and homes to build a better future,” wrote Kawalpreet Singh Mann, a fellow student at Lambton College. Mann urged the community to share Singh’s story and advocate for change to ensure international students’ safety.

Local residents have also expressed concerns about crime and drug-related issues in the Queen Street area. “I am deeply disturbed and concerned as to what’s happening in our city,” wrote Sarnia realtor Madhu Baker in a heartfelt social media post.

A GoFundMe page has been launched to assist Singh’s family in transporting his body back to Punjab for final rites. “This cannot fill the pain his family is facing but will help ensure they can complete the rituals,” the fundraiser states.

This incident marks the second homicide on Queen Street this year, highlighting ongoing safety issues in the area. Earlier this year, another resident, Adam Bishop, was charged with first-degree murder in an unrelated case.

Neighbours have voiced concerns about violence and drug activity near the controversial Rainbow Park homeless camp, which is in close proximity to the crime scene.

The tragic death of Gurasis Singh serves as a painful reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by international students in Canada, sparking renewed conversations around housing safety, crime prevention, and systemic support for newcomers. As the investigation continues, the community mourns a life taken too soon.