Father-Daughter Duo Fatally Shot in Virginia Store; Shooter Arrested

An Indian father and daughter were shot dead in Virginia while working at a convenience store. The suspect, George Frazier Devon Wharton, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. The incident has shocked the local Indian community, especially in light of a similar recent homicide.

On a tragic Thursday in Virginia, United States, a father-daughter duo, Pradeep Patel, aged 56, and his 24-year-old daughter Urmi, was shot and killed at a convenience store where they were employed. The incident occurred shortly after the store opened in Accomack County.

George Frazier Devon Wharton, 44, was arrested for this double homicide. Reports indicate that he entered the store early in the morning seeking liquor and questioned why the store was closed the previous night before opening fire on the Patels. Pradeep Patel died instantly, while Urmi passed away subsequently in the hospital.

The Patel family, originally from the Mehsana district in Gujarat, India, moved to the US six years ago. They were working at the convenience store, which was owned by a relative, Paresh Patel. He shared, “I do not know what to do,” expressing the shocking impact of this event on their family. The Patels have two additional daughters, one in Canada and another in Ahmedabad.

Wharton has been charged with first-degree murder along with several firearm-related offenses. This incident has deeply unsettled the Indian community in the United States, especially following the recent murder of Mainank Patel, a 36-year-old Indian man who was killed in a robbery at his convenience store in North Carolina.

The tragic shooting of Pradeep and Urmi Patel has sent shockwaves through their family and the wider Indian community in the United States. The swift arrest of George Frazier Devon Wharton highlights the escalating concerns regarding safety in public spaces. As the community grieves, it is essential to reflect on the need for greater security measures and support for those affected by such violent acts.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com