A request for freedom from a man who shot and killed a 21-year-old White Rock film student and a Delta cabbie 25 years ago has been denied.

In a decision rendered last month, Parole Board of Canada officials cite a psychologist's opinion that "any form" of release for Jagrup Singh Baidwan would, even now, be premature.

Baidwan, now 54, is serving a life sentence for the "execution-style" shooting death of taxi driver Allan Martin-MacDonald on March 4, 2000 and the "random and senseless" fatal shooting of Kristopher Neeves in White Rock, on April 17, 2000.

Martin-MacDonald was shot three times after responding to a pick-up request by Baidwan. 

Neeves had been at a Marine Drive bus stop – waiting for a bus home to Vancouver after visiting his mother – when Baidwan approached and shot him in the abdomen. He died two hours later.

Following intensive investigation that identified Baidwan as a suspect in both killings within two days of Neeves' death, he was arrested by undercover officers on May 2, 2000, outside an apartment block in the 1400-block of White Rock's Merklin Street. The arrest was captured by a Peace Arch News reporter.

Convicted on two counts of second-degree murder, Baidwan's parole eligibility was set at 13 and 20 years, respectively, for the two killings.

Baidwan unsuccessfully applied for day parole in 2023, with PBC officials at that time noting "several" concerns with the inmate remained, including a lack of demonstrated emotion while talking about the crimes and their impact on the victims' families.

The latest decision, shared with PAN Friday (April 4), notes a January 2025 risk assessment determined Baidwan presents a "moderate risk" for both general and violent offending. As well, he has limited insight for what he needs to do to change, as well as few demonstrated skills or strategies to manage his risk.  

The decision notes Baidwan's behaviour while in custody includes being "assaultive" towards institution staff; a history of medication non-compliance; involvement in the "institutional subculture"; and "engaging in behaviours consistent with those that contributed to your index offences."

While the board acknowledged improvement –  noting that between January 2023 and January 2025, Baidwan was not identified as an instigator in any security incidents – they concluded Baidwan has made "insufficient progress" in addressing risk factors that contributed to his offending.

As well, according to an October 2024 Correctional Plan Update, his rating for reintegration potential has regressed from medium to low. 

The board said Baidwan's plans for full release had "some good intentions," but found them "insufficient to manage the risk you present." In addition to limited funds, a lack of employment and little community support, the board named Baidwan's preferred Lower Mainland release location – which was redacted in the decision shared with PAN – a concern under "victim considerations."

"Consequently, the Board concludes you present an undue risk to society, and your release on full parole will not facilitate your reintegration as a law-abiding citizen."