A tragic shooting in the US has deeply shocked the Indian community in Virginia. An Indian-origin man, Pradipkumar Patel, 56, and his daughter lost their lives while working at a relative’s convenience store on Lankford Highway in Accomack County, Virginia.
Police Respond Quickly to the Shooting
The county sheriff’s office received a distress call around 5:30 a.m. on March 20. As soon as officers arrived, they found Patel with gunshot wounds. He was unresponsive. Meanwhile, while searching the store, they discovered his daughter, who was also shot.
As a result, Patel was pronounced dead at the scene. His daughter was immediately rushed to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. However, despite medical efforts, she did not survive.
Police Make an Arrest Shortly After the Incident
Later that day, authorities arrested 44-year-old George Frazier Devon White from Onancock. According to county sheriff W. Todd Wessells, the suspect remains in custody without bond.
Furthermore, White faces several charges, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and illegal firearm possession. In addition, he has been charged with two counts of using a firearm during a felony. However, police have not yet revealed the motive behind the attack.
Store Owner Expresses His Grief
Speaking to Virginia’s local news channel WAYV-TV, store owner Paresh Patel shared his pain. “My cousin’s wife and her dad were working this morning and some guy came here and they just shot,” he said.
Struggling to process the tragedy, he added, “I don’t know what to do.”
Meanwhile, as the investigation continues, the Indian community in Virginia mourns the devastating loss of two innocent lives.
