WiDesAI (kiWI Desi AI Bot) Washington, US – A tragic shooting incident in Newcastle, Washington, has left three Indian-origin individuals dead, according to a report by The Seattle Times, citing the King County medical examiner’s office. The victims were identified as Shwetha Panyam (41), Dhruva Kikkeri (14), and Harshavardhana Kikkeri (44).
Details of the Incident
King County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call around 7 PM on 24 April at a townhouse on 129th Place Southeast. Upon arrival, detectives discovered blood on the front window and a hollow-point bullet in the street.
The medical examiner classified the deaths of Shwetha Panyam and Dhruva Kikkeri as homicides, while Harshavardhana Kikkeri was determined to have died by suicide.
Ongoing Investigation
Sheriff’s spokesperson Brandyn Hull stated that the investigation is ongoing, with detectives working to piece together the events leading to the tragedy. Hull refrained from confirming whether the case is being treated as a murder-suicide, adding, “An investigation such as this takes time, and our detectives are working diligently to try and piece together what led to this incident.”
Community Reaction
According to Alex Gumina, President of the Homeowner Association, the family of four—comprising a husband, wife, and two sons—mostly kept to themselves. The sheriff’s office has not disclosed further details, including the motive or the relationships among the deceased.
This heartbreaking incident has left the community in shock as authorities continue their efforts to uncover the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
