US: Indian-Origin Man Shoots Dead Indian Woman, Injures Her Friend

An Indian woman was killed and another seriously injured after a 19-year-old Indian man allegedly shot them outside a residential building on June 12 in New Jersey. The assailant, identified as Gaurav Gill from Kent, Washington, was arrested hours after the crime, according to reports. Jasvir Kaur, 29, succumbed to injuries at the hospital while Gagandeep Kaur, 20, is in critical condition at University Hospital Newark. 

19YO Shooter Faces Multiple Charges

According to the Times of India, Gaurav Gill and Gagandeep Kaur were acquainted and had allegedly met at an IELTS coaching centre in Nakodar, Punjab. Gagandeep had gone to the US on a student visa and had been staying at her cousin Jasvir's place. Jasvir had moved to New Jersey from Punjab about five years ago and worked at an Amazon facility.

Jasvir's father, Kewal Singh, told TOI about the shooting incident on the morning of June 12. "Our daughter took Gagandeep in and helped her in every way. She was asleep when the incident occurred. Gagandeep argued with the accused outside the house and called Jasvir for help. When Jasvir intervened, the accused fired seven shots at her face, killing her."

The accused faces multiple charges, including one count of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, one count of fourth-degree possession of a high-capacity magazine, and one count of first-degree attempted murder.

Gill appeared before a judge in Middlesex County Court on June 13. His first court appearance took place at the Middlesex County Jail before Judge Gary Price, according to News12 New Jersey. Gill is scheduled to return to court on June 18 for a detention hearing. Authorities have not yet provided a motive for the shooting or a connection between Gill and the victims.

Who Are Jasvir & Gagandeep Kaur?

Jasvir and Gagandeep's parents are small farmers. Gagandeep's father also drove a school bus to make ends meet and managed to send his daughter to study in the US. She and Gaurav Gill reportedly arrived in the US around the same time. Kewal Singh shared that his daughter Jasvir was very supportive of Gagandeep, as was her husband, a truck driver.

Meanwhile, Gill's father, Charan, lives in Muscat, and his mother was hospitalised two days ago after learning about the incident, reported TOI. Gagandeep's mother, Surjit Kaur, said they were not familiar with the assailant and were unaware of any disputes she might have had with anyone.