New Delhi: An unimaginable tragedy struck a departmental store in Virginia, resulting in the senseless deaths of a 24-year-old Indian woman and her 56-year-old father. The fatal shooting occurred shortly after the store in Accomack County opened its doors to the public.
Authorities have taken George Frazier Devon Wharton (44) into custody for the brutal double murder. Reports indicate that the accused entered the store early Thursday morning with the intention of purchasing liquor, only to be met with closed doors. In a fit of rage, he opened fire on the father-daughter pair. Tragically, Pradeep Patel lost his life on the premises of the store, while his daughter Urmi passed away later at the hospital due to her injuries.
Originally from Gujarat’s Mehsana district in India, Pradeep Patel, along with his wife Hansaben and daughter Urmi, had relocated to the United States six years ago. The family had been working at the convenience store owned by a relative, Paresh Patel. In a heartbreaking statement to WAVY TV in Virginia, Paresh Patel revealed that the victims were close family members. He expressed disbelief and sorrow, mentioning that his cousin’s wife and her father were on duty when the tragic incident unfolded. Pradeep Patel and Hansaben have two other daughters, one residing in Canada and the other in Ahmedabad.
The accused, Wharton, has been formally charged with first-degree murder, along with additional counts related to felony and firearms offenses. This heinous act has sent shockwaves through the Indian community residing in the US, reminiscent of previous incidents like the fatal shooting of Mainank Patel, another Indian origin individual, during a robbery at his convenience store in North Carolina.
The devastating loss of two innocent lives in such a senseless act of violence has left the community in mourning and serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased vigilance and safety measures. The tragic incident has stirred emotions and prompted a reflection on the vulnerability faced by individuals working in public-facing roles. As investigations continue and the perpetrators face justice, friends, family, and the wider community strive to come to terms with the magnitude of this heartbreaking event.