In Alton, Texas, Sweeta Ram, an Indian businessman, was killed along with his wife and mother-in-law in an unexplained shooting of their 19-year-old son, Gaurav Chopra. As Gaurav faces justice, the communities of Alton and Palmview grieve over this mindless act of violence. Sweeta Ram, 56, is well known in the community for her local business.Palmview Mayor Ricardo Villarreal said Ram was like a family member and a brother to him. “He’s the best,” Villarreal said. “He was a scrappy, driven guy who always said positive things. I never heard him say a negative word.”“He brought a lot of fun, food and entertainment to the city,” Villarreal said. “I knew him more like a brother than a friend.”Neighbors and friends said Ram spoke proudly about his wife and children and often hosted parties. They watched their children grow up and could not accept such a tragedy.
Killing parents, grandmother; missing brother: How the unconscious tragedy unfolds
On Tuesday, June 16, a man called 911 and claimed that his brother, Gaurav Chopra, shot their entire family and then fled the scene. The younger brother was also hit, but not hit. The younger brother saw the body and Chopra at the scene. When Chipra saw him, he shot his brother, who fled the house.The victims were identified as Sweeta Ram, 56, Kamlesh Rani, 46, and Minder Kaur, 76, all from the Indian state of Punjab.Ram was still alive when police arrived and first aid was immediately administered. He was taken to a local hospital for emergency treatment, but later died from his injuries.Chopra’s arrest also involved a dramatic car chase that sent the pair to the hospital after a speeding Chopra crashed into their car. A handgun was also found at the crash site.Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra did not reveal any motive for the killing. Police are not aware of any previous criminal conduct by the family.Gaurav Chopra is a student at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. “UTRGV is aware that law enforcement has identified a suspect in an off-campus criminal investigation as a current student,” the university said in a statement. “The university is cooperating with law enforcement as appropriate. As this is an active criminal investigation, questions regarding the case should be directed to the investigating agency.”Chopra was arraigned on multiple murder and attempted murder charges, for which bail has not been set. Chopra also faces a charge of evading arrest and her bail was set at $250,000.
