An Indian man and his daughter were shot dead in Virginia while working at a store; the shooter has been arrested. The family, originally from Gujarat, moved to the US six years ago. The incident has shocked the local and Indian communities alike, highlighting concerns about violence against immigrants.
A tragic incident occurred in Virginia, USA, where a 24-year-old Indian woman, Urmi Patel, and her 56-year-old father, Pradeep Patel, were shot to death in a departmental store where they were employed. The shooting happened shortly after the store opened on Thursday, and the alleged shooter, George Frazier Devon Wharton, aged 44, has been apprehended by law enforcement authorities.
Reports indicate that Wharton entered the store early that morning intending to purchase liquor. After questioning why the store was closed the previous night, he opened fire on the father and daughter. Pradeep Patel was pronounced dead at the scene, while his daughter Urmi later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. The family relocated from Mehsana district in Gujarat to the United States six years ago.
The Patels had been working at the convenience store, which is owned by their relative, Paresh Patel. In a statement to WAVY TV, Paresh expressed his devastation over the loss of his family members, stating, “I don’t know what to do.” The family also includes two other daughters, one residing in Canada and the other in Ahmedabad.
Wharton has been charged with first-degree murder, as well as additional charges related to felony and arms violations. The incident has caused considerable distress within the Indian community in the US, reminiscent of a previous tragic event where Mainank Patel was killed during a robbery at his North Carolina convenience store.
This grave incident underscores the ongoing violence affecting communities, particularly immigrants in the United States. With the tragic loss of Pradeep and Urmi Patel, the emotional impact on their family and the broader Indian community is profound. As investigations continue and the accused faces serious charges, the need for community safety and support becomes increasingly apparent.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
