Suspected Murder-Suicide: Tragedy strikes Newcastle as Indian-American family dies in suspected domestic violence case
In a deeply disturbing incident in Newcastle, Washington, three members of an Indian-origin family were found dead in what authorities believe to be a murder-suicide. The victims have been identified as Harshavardhana Kikkeri (44), his wife Shwetha Panyam (41), and their 14-year-old son Dhruva Kikkeri, reported gujaratsamachar.com.
CEO of Indian robotics firm suspected of killing family before taking own life
According to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, Harshavardhana Kikkeri — CEO of Holoworld, a robotics company based in Mysuru, India — died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
His death has been ruled a suicide, while the deaths of his wife and teenage son have been classified as homicides, both resulting from fatal gunshot wounds.
Evidence of violence found at the scene as investigation continues
Deputies from the King County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call around 7 PM on Thursday, April 24, at a townhouse on 129th Place Southeast. Upon arrival, they found signs of a violent incident, including blood on a front window and a hollow-point bullet on the street. The three family members were discovered dead inside the residence.
Authorities are currently investigating the motive behind the killings. A spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office confirmed that while the case is being treated as a suspected murder-suicide, no final conclusions have been drawn regarding the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.
The Indian-American community in the region has expressed shock and sorrow at the loss, with many calling for greater awareness around mental health and domestic well-being.