Tragic Loss: Gujarati Father-Daughter Duo Shot Dead in Virginia

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The tragic shooting deaths of a father and daughter in Virginia have sent shockwaves through the Gujarati community in the United States and Kanoda village in Mehsana, India. Pradeep Patel, 56, was killed instantly, while his 24-year-old daughter, Urmi, succumbed to her injuries two days later.

Authorities have arrested a suspect, but the motive behind the attack remains unclear. Chandu Patel, a leader of the Kadva Patidar community in Kanoda and Pradeep's uncle, stated that the family first learned of the devastating incident through media reports. "They had just opened their store at around 5 a.m. on March 20 when a man entered and began shooting. Both Pradeep and Urmi were hit. The accused, identified as George Frazier Devon Wharton, has been arrested," he said.

According to relatives in Kanoda, the Patel family had migrated to the United States in 2019 on visitor visas and later settled there, working in convenience stores owned by the Gujarati Patel community. Four months ago, they took over a new store after previously managing another shop about 75 kilometers away. "The family consists of Pradeep’s wife, two daughters, and a son. Both daughters are married into families from Gujarat, while his son is currently working in Canada. Urmi got married three years ago," said Pradeep’s brother, Ashok Patel. "It is likely that their last rites will be conducted in the U.S."

Family members suspect the assailant was waiting near the store and opened fire as soon as Pradeep and Urmi arrived. A cousin of Pradeep owns a store in the vicinity. This tragedy adds to the growing list of violent attacks against members of the Gujarati community in the U.S. Recently, Mainank Patel from Vadodara was shot dead in North Carolina, prompting a crowdfunding campaign to support his pregnant wife and young daughter. The incident has raised concerns among the Indian diaspora regarding safety and has left both the local and overseas Gujarati community in mourning.