Tragic shooting incident in US: Indian student charged with 'murder' of grandparents, uncle in New Jersey
New York, November 29: A tragic incident shook a New Jersey community as a 23-year-old Indian student, Om Brahmbhatt, was arrested and charged with the alleged murder of his grandparents and uncle inside a condominium, according to reports from police and US media.
The South Plainfield Police Department and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office stated that Om Brahmbhatt stands accused of shooting Dilipkumar Brahmbhatt (72), Bindu Brahmbhatt (72), and Yashkumar Brahmbhatt (38) at the Traditions condo complex on Coppola Drive.
Following a neighbour's report of hearing gunshots around 9 am on Monday, officers arrived at the scene to discover two men and a woman with gunshot wounds. The elderly couple, Dilipkumar and Bindu Brahmbhatt, were found dead in the apartment, while their son, Yashkumar, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Om Brahmbhatt, originally from Gujarat, had recently moved to New Jersey and was living with the victims in the same residence where the tragic incident occurred. He was taken into custody and subsequently charged with three counts of first-degree murder and second-degree weapon possession.
While details surrounding the motive remain unclear, it was reported that Om Brahmbhatt appeared composed during his court appearance, stating to officials during the 911 call, "It might be me." The suspect allegedly confessed to purchasing the handgun online, the complaint revealed.
Neighbours recalled prior police visits to the residence, mentioning a past domestic violence call. The Traditions apartment complex, inhabited by many Indian immigrant families, is equipped with numerous security cameras that residents hope will aid in the investigation.
South Plainfield Police Department, along with the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, assured the public that the incident wasn't a random act of violence, emphasising that there's currently no imminent danger to the community. They urged anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the authorities.
As the investigation continues under South Plainfield Detective Thomas Rutter and Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office Detective Javier Morillo, the community remains shocked and saddened by the tragic events that unfolded in their neighbourhood.
- With inputs from agencies
