Tennessee authorities have linked 29-year-old Corey Houge to the fatal shooting during an armed robbery at Patel’s store in Jackson
US authorities have arrested a man in connection with the killing of Gujarati-origin businessman Suresh Patel, who was shot dead during an armed robbery at his store in Jackson, Tennessee, on August 20.
The suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Corey Houge. Jackson police, working with federal and local agencies, located Houge on August 23 after investigators linked him to the robbery and homicide at Ridgecrest Cellars, where Patel had recently taken over as owner.
According to investigators, a masked gunman entered the store at about 9pm, demanded money from employees and then opened fire after receiving the cash. Patel, 56, was struck multiple times and died at the scene. His 19-year-old daughter was reportedly inside the store when the shooting took place.
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Patel was originally from Akhaj village in Gujarat’s Mehsana district and had lived in the United States for nearly three decades
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He had previously operated a liquor store in Chicago before taking over Ridgecrest Cellars in Jackson shortly before the shooting
Authorities identified Houge as a suspect after reviewing surveillance footage and vehicle-tracking data. Police said officers, assisted by the FBI and ATF, attempted to stop him in Jackson on August 23. He allegedly fled at high speed before crashing near a Burger King and was subsequently taken into custody.
Houge faces serious charges in connection with the Tennessee killings, including first-degree murder and especially aggravated robbery. Prosecutors have also sought to keep him in custody without bond, describing him as a potential danger to public safety.
Authorities have linked Houge to another fatal armed robbery in nearby Crockett County. Investigations into both cases are continuing. The charges remain allegations, and Houge is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
