Georgia, Jan 24: An Indian national was among four individuals killed during a shooting at a residence in Lawrenceville, Georgia, following what local authorities described as a domestic dispute. The Consulate General of India in Atlanta confirmed the tragedy and noted that the suspect is currently in custody as investigations continue into the Friday morning incident.
Gwinnett County police identified the deceased as Meemu Dogra, 43, Gourav Kumar, 33, Nidhi Chander, 37, and Harish Chander, 38. The suspect, 51-year-old Vijay Kumar of Atlanta, faces a series of charges including felony murder and malice murder. Officials said the violence unfolded while three children were present inside the home, though they managed to escape physical harm.
The Indian mission expressed its condolences while coordinating with local law enforcement and the victims’ relatives. “We are deeply grieved by a tragic shooting incident linked to an alleged family dispute, in which an Indian national was among the victims. The alleged shooter has been arrested, and all possible assistance is being extended to the bereaved family,” the Consulate General of India in Atlanta said in a statement.
Police arrived at the Brook Ivy Court property around 2:30 a.m. after receiving a distress call from one of the children hiding inside. Officers discovered the four victims with fatal gunshot wounds upon entering the house. Investigators noted that the children had barricaded themselves in a closet to stay safe during the gunfire.
Beyond the murder charges, the suspect is also facing counts of aggravated assault and cruelty to children. The minors involved have been placed in the care of other family members. The consulate mentioned it would remain in contact with the local community to provide any necessary logistical or legal aid required by the victims’ kin.
