US: Indian-origin motel owner Satyen Naik shot dead in North Carolina
PTC Web Desk: A tragic incident unfolded at a motel in Newport city, North Carolina, United States, where a 46-year-old Indian-origin motel owner, Satyen Naik, was fatally shot allegedly by a homeless trespasser. The assailant, identified as Troy Kellum, barricaded himself in a room on the property and eventually took his own life, according to the local police.
Notably, the police received a call reporting a trespasser at the Hostess House. Shortly after, another call indicated that an individual had been shot. Satyen Naik was found outside the motel with a gunshot wound and was rushed to Carteret Health Care for medical treatment, but tragically succumbed to his wounds.
Police chief Keith Lewis highlighted that Naik, who operated the family-owned business, was actively involved in its daily operations. Kellum, the suspect, was known to squat at the Hostess House and other nearby locations, believed to be homeless.
The situation escalated as Kellum barricaded himself inside a room, prompting law enforcement to call in the Special Response Team (SRT) for assistance. Negotiators from the SRT engaged in lengthy discussions with Kellum in an attempt to peacefully resolve the standoff.
Despite efforts to persuade Kellum to surrender, he adamantly refused. Subsequently, when the SRT team entered the room, Kellum fatally shot himself with a handgun, bringing the harrowing incident to a tragic end, as confirmed by Chief Lewis.
- With inputs from agencies
