Shalini Thakur Murder Video: Chilling California Footage Shows Suspect Rohit Chasing Woman Before Shooting

California police have released video showing the moments before Indian-origin woman Shalini Thakur was chased and shot dead outside a restaurant in Sacramento last week. The 38-year-old was attacked outside a Panera Bread restaurant on Howe Avenue on September 8, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office.

The Shalini Thakur murder video released by police appears to show the suspect, identified as 22-year-old Rohit Rohit, chasing Thakur shortly before the fatal shooting. Investigators said Rohit had approached Thakur at a shopping mall shortly before 3 PM and allegedly began accosting her.

According to Sacramento County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Amar Gandhi, Thakur attempted to flee but Rohit allegedly chased her, pulled out a firearm and shot her multiple times. Gandhi said the suspect then approached Thakur as she lay on the pavement and allegedly shot her in the head at close range. The released footage shows the chase before cutting away. Who Was Shalini Thakur? How Months of Stalking Ended in Her Killing in California’s Sacramento.

Chilling Video Shows Indian-Origin Woman Chased Moments Before California Shooting

Shalini Thakur Murder: Months of Alleged Stalking

Investigators said the shooting followed months of alleged harassment and stalking. Police said Rohit had met Thakur through DoorDash pickups from her workplace and that the alleged harassment dated back to at least January.

According to police, Thakur discovered an Apple AirTag under the hood of her car. Rohit was also accused of deflating her tyres, following her to work and later offering to help her. US: Indian-Origin Tech Executive Killed in Georgia; Son Injured in Domestic Shooting.

Detectives further alleged that Rohit obtained a copy of Thakur's apartment key and entered her home while she was sleeping. Rohit reportedly told investigators that he entered the apartment because he wanted to check on Thakur after she stopped responding to his messages.

Thakur subsequently obtained a restraining order against him. Police said Rohit allegedly violated the order in July by leaving groceries outside her apartment.

Suspect Rohit Rohit Found Dead

Following the shooting, deputies tracked Rohit's vehicle as he fled the scene. Police said the vehicle eventually stopped after Rohit slammed on the brakes.

Deputies later discovered that Rohit was dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Lieutenant Gandhi said.

Thakur's mother, Kumari Thakur, told KCRA 3 that her husband had died two years ago and that Shalini was her only child. She said she had spoken to her daughter less than an hour before the shooting and they had planned to speak again shortly afterward.

The grieving mother also questioned whether authorities had done enough to protect her daughter despite the restraining order. Family and friends described Shalini as a caring, loving, selfless and generous woman.

DHS Raises Immigration Policy Questions

The case has also triggered a political debate over US immigration policy. The US Department of Homeland Security said Rohit had entered the country illegally through Arizona in 2023 and was arrested by US Border Patrol agents that August before being released into the US.

DHS officials blamed the Biden administration's immigration policies for his release. The department also criticised California laws governing cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

These claims are part of the political response to the case and do not alter the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office's investigation into the killing.

DoorDash said it was fully cooperating with the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office and expressed condolences to Thakur's family. The company said it has zero tolerance for violence or harassment and urged anyone experiencing unwanted attention to report it through the DoorDash app and contact law enforcement if they feel unsafe.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 15, 2026 08:19 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).