Virginia family shooting: 19-year-old Punjabi student kills parents, grandmother; accused arrested
PTC Web Desk: A 19-year-old student of Indian origin has been charged with the fatal shooting of his parents and grandmother in a shocking family tragedy that took place in Virginia on June 17, according to local law enforcement authorities.
The accused, identified as Gaurav Chopra, is a student at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Investigators allege that he opened fire inside his family home in Virginia before attempting to flee the scene.
Authorities said Chopra's mother, Kamlesh Rani, 46, father, Sita Ram, 56, and grandmother, Mahinder Kaur, 73, sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the head and were declared dead at the scene. His 21-year-old brother, Sajan, reportedly escaped unharmed despite being targeted during the incident.
Following the shootings, the suspect fled in a vehicle. Law enforcement agencies launched an immediate search operation after receiving information from the surviving brother. During his escape, Chopra was involved in a traffic accident. Officials also reported that the firearm allegedly used in the attack malfunctioned before his arrest.
He was subsequently taken into custody and has been charged with multiple counts of capital murder. Court records indicate that he is being held without bond as the investigation continues.
The victims' family traces its roots to Punjab's Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshahr) district. Relatives in India said the family had been living in the United States for more than two decades and had visited their ancestral village approximately five months ago.
Investigators have not yet disclosed a possible motive. Police officials stated that the reason behind the shootings remains under investigation and will likely become clearer as questioning of the accused progresses.
- With inputs from agencies
