Washington [US], May 1: In a harrowing incident, three members of an Indian-origin family were found dead following a shooting at their townhouse in Newcastle, Washington. According to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, the victims have been identified as:
- Shwetha Panyam (41) – died of gunshot wounds (ruled homicide)
- Dhruva Kikkeri (14) – died of gunshot wounds (ruled homicide)
- Harshavardhana Kikkeri (44) – died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound (ruled suicide)
The deaths have led to speculation of a murder-suicide, though the King County Sheriff’s Office has not officially confirmed that theory. Sheriff’s spokesperson Brandyn Hull emphasized that the case remains under active investigation:
“An investigation such as this takes time, and our detectives are working diligently to try and piece together what led to this incident.”
Key Details:
- Incident Date: April 24, around 7 PM local time
- Location: Townhome near 129th Place Southeast, Newcastle, WA
- Findings at the scene: Blood on the front window and a hollow-point bullet on the street
- Family info: The home was occupied by a family of four — the deceased couple and their two sons. The status of the second son has not been disclosed.
Community Reaction:
Alex Gumina, the local Homeowners Association president, said the family mostly kept to themselves, and the community is reeling from the shock.
Authorities have not released information regarding any potential motive or the full circumstances leading to the tragedy.