An Indian family of four from Kerala was discovered dead inside their home in California’s San Mateo on Monday, February 12. Identified as Anand Sujith Henry (42), wife Alice Priyanka (40), and their twin children Noah and Neithan (4), the tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community.
The adults were found in the bathroom, each with gunshot wounds. The exact cause of death is still under investigation.
San Mateo Police Department (SMPD) responded to a welfare check call, discovering the grisly scene. There were no signs of forced entry into the house. Upon entering through an unlocked window, officers found the deceased family members. The two children were found deceased in a bedroom, while the adults were found in the bathroom with gunshot wounds. A 9mm pistol and loaded magazine were found at their home i.e. the scene.
SMPD released a statement addressing the incident, stating, “Based on the information we have at this time, this appears to be an isolated incident with no danger to the public. Our agency is on scene as this investigation will be ongoing.”
The Indian Consulate in San Francisco has reached out to the family members of the deceased in India, providing consular support during this difficult time. Condolences have been extended to the bereaved family and the wider Indian American community.
The motive behind the deaths remains unclear, with authorities awaiting the results of the autopsy and forensic analysis.
This tragic incident adds to a series of unfortunate events involving Indian students in the US. Recently, a Purdue University student, Indian American Sameer Kamath, was found dead in Warren County. Another Purdue student, Neel Acharya, was discovered deceased on campus just last month after being missing for several days.
As investigations continue into these heartbreaking events, communities both in India and abroad mourn the loss of promising lives and seek answers to prevent such tragedies in the future.
