Tragic Shooting of Indian Father-Daughter at Virginia Store Sparks Outrage
A 24-year-old Indian woman and her father were shot dead at a Virginia store where they worked. The shooter, George Frazier Devon Wharton, was arrested and faces charges including first-degree murder. This incident has raised fears within the Indian community, especially following other recent acts of violence against individuals in similar occupations.
A tragic incident occurred in Virginia, USA, where a 24-year-old Indian woman and her father, aged 56, were shot dead at a departmental store they worked at. The shooting transpired shortly after the store opened for business on Thursday morning. Following the incident, police apprehended a 44-year-old man, George Frazier Devon Wharton, who allegedly committed the double murder.
Reports indicate that Mr. Wharton entered the store intending to buy liquor and inquired why it was closed at night before opening fire on the father-daughter duo. Pradeep Patel was killed instantly, while his daughter Urmi succumbed to her injuries in the hospital shortly thereafter. The family, originally from the Mehsana district in Gujarat, India, had migrated to the United States six years ago and was working at the convenience store owned by a relative, Paresh Patel.
Mr. Paresh Patel expressed his sorrow to WAVY TV about the loss of his family members. He stated, “My cousin’s wife and her dad were working this morning. Some guy came here and just shot. I don’t know what to do.” The Patel family includes two additional daughters, one residing in Canada and the other in Ahmedabad, India.
Mr. Wharton faces charges of first-degree murder along with felonious assault and violations of firearm laws. The double homicide has sent shockwaves through the Indian community in the United States, reminiscent of a previous incident where Mainank Patel, an Indian-origin man managing a convenience store in North Carolina, was murdered during a robbery several months ago.
The tragic murders of Pradeep and Urmi Patel have sparked an outcry within the Indian community in the United States, reflecting the ongoing concerns regarding safety for those working in retail environments. The suspect, George Frazier Devon Wharton, now faces serious charges, highlighting the need for discussions around gun violence and community safety.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
