Texas Shooting: Punjab-Origin Teen Kills Parents and Grandmother in US, Arrested
A 19-year-old man of Punjab origin has been arrested in the US state of Texas for allegedly shooting dead his parents and grandmother before attempting to flee the scene. Authorities said the accused, identified as Gaurav Chopra, has been charged with multiple counts of capital murder.
A 19-year-old man of Punjabi origin has been arrested in the United States for allegedly killing his parents and maternal grandmother inside their home in Alton, Texas, and attempting to kill his elder brother before fleeing the scene. Authorities said the suspect, identified as Gaurav Chopra, was taken into custody following a police pursuit and now faces multiple charges, including capital murder, as reported by TOI. According to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred on the night of June 16. Deputies responded after Chopra's 21-year-old brother called emergency services, reporting that his younger sibling had fatally shot members of the family and had fled the residence in a white Lexus.
Investigators said officers found 56-year-old father Sweeta Ram, 46-year-old mother Kamlesh Rani and 73-year-old maternal grandmother Mohinder (also reported as Minder) Kaur with gunshot wounds. Ram was taken to hospital but later died from his injuries, while the two women were pronounced dead at the scene. Texas Shocker: Teacher Charged After Admitting To Sex With Teen She Called ‘Little Brother’, School Says Incident Occurred Off Campus.
Brother Escapes Alleged Attack
Authorities allege that the suspect also attempted to shoot his elder brother after he discovered the victims inside the home. The brother managed to escape, contacted emergency services and provided details of the suspect's vehicle, leading to a police pursuit.
The chase ended after the suspect's vehicle crashed into two other vehicles. Investigators recovered a 9mm handgun believed to have been used in the shootings. Texas Shocker: 19-Year-Old Shot Dead by Friend in Fort Worth After Refusing to Share Wingstop French Fries, Teen Charged With Murder.
No Motive Identified Yet
Hidalgo County Sheriff J.E. "Eddie" Guerra said investigators have not determined a motive for the killings. Officials stated that the suspect had no known criminal history, and there is currently no indication that drugs played a role in the incident.
Chopra appeared before a judge and has been charged with multiple counts of capital murder, attempted capital murder, evading law enforcement and aggravated assault. He is being held without bond as the investigation continues.
Family Remembered in India and Texas
The family, originally from Lakhpur village near Banga in Punjab's Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district, had visited their native village just a few months ago, according to relatives. Family members in Punjab expressed shock over the incident, saying the family appeared happy during their recent visit.
In Texas, Sweeta Ram was remembered as a respected businessman in nearby Palmview. Local officials and community members described him as a well-liked individual known for helping others and maintaining strong ties within the community.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killings and have not disclosed any further details regarding a possible motive. Court proceedings against the accused are expected to continue in the coming weeks as investigators gather additional evidence.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 20, 2026 08:51 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).