Tragic Shooting Claims Lives of Indian Father and Daughter in Virginia

A 24-year-old Indian woman and her father were shot dead at a store in Virginia. The shooter, George Frazier Devon Wharton, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. The Patel family had immigrated from India six years ago and worked at this store owned by a relative. The incident shocked the Indian community in the U.S., recalling previous acts of violence against Indian nationals.

In a tragic incident in Virginia, a 24-year-old Indian woman, Urmi Patel, and her 56-year-old father, Pradeep Patel, were shot dead at a departmental store where they worked. The shooting occurred shortly after the store opened on Thursday morning. George Frazier Devon Wharton, 44, has been arrested in connection to the double homicide.

Reports indicate that Wharton arrived at the store to purchase liquor and, after questioning why the store was closed the previous night, began firing at the father-daughter duo. Pradeep Patel died immediately, while Urmi succumbed to her injuries later at the hospital.

The Patel family, originally from Mehsana district in Gujarat, India, immigrated to the United States six years ago. They worked at a convenience store owned by a relative, Paresh Patel. In an emotional statement, Paresh Patel described the victims as family members, expressing his shock over the incident.

Alongside Pradeep and Urmi, Hansaben Patel, Pradeep’s wife, and their two other daughters—one residing in Canada and the other in Ahmedabad—are left grieving. Wharton faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder and violations regarding firearms.

This double murder has sent ripples through the Indian community in the United States, recalling a prior incident where Mainank Patel, an Indian-origin shop owner in North Carolina, was fatally shot during a robbery.

Such incidents underscore the vulnerabilities that immigrants may face, emphasizing the need for community support and safety measures.

The recent shooting of Urmi and Pradeep Patel in Virginia highlights the challenges faced by immigrant families in the U.S., as well as the broader issues of violence affecting local communities. The event has deeply impacted the Indian community, reviving memories of other tragic incidents involving Indian nationals in America. Community vigilance and support mechanisms are essential in combating such violence.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com