Indian-Origin Man, Daughter Killed in US Store Shooting; Suspect Arrested
A 56-year-old Indian-origin man, Pradipkumar Patel, and his 24-year-old daughter were shot dead at a convenience store in Virginia’s Accomack County on March 20, with police arresting 44-year-old George Frazier Devon Wharton in connection to the tragedy.
The incident occurred shortly after 5:30 AM on March 20 at a store on Lankford Highway. Deputies from the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office found Patel unresponsive with gunshot wounds, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
During a search of the building, authorities discovered Patel’s daughter, also shot, inside the store. She was airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital but later died of her injuries, officials confirmed.
George Frazier Devon Wharton, 44, from Onancock, was arrested late Thursday. Sheriff W Todd Wessells stated that Wharton is being held without bond at Accomack Jail, facing charges including first-degree murder and illegal firearm possession.
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Wharton has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and two counts of using a firearm in a felony, alongside possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear.
Paresh Patel, the store owner and a relative of the victims, told WAVY-TV, “My cousin’s wife and her dad were working this morning, and some guy came here and just shot.” He expressed shock and helplessness over the loss.
The incident has reverberated through the Indian community in the US, with news spreading rapidly on social media platforms like Facebook. The tragedy has left many in mourning and seeking answers.
The Accomack County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation to determine the shooting’s motive. Authorities are expected to provide updates as the case progresses, with Wharton due to face court proceedings soon.
