US: Punjab-origin student accused of killing parents, grandmother in Virginia
Babushahi Bureau
Washington DC (US), June 19, 2026: A tragic incident involving a Punjabi-origin family in the United States has sent shockwaves through both the local community in Virginia and the family’s native village in Punjab. A 19-year-old university student has been accused of fatally shooting his parents and grandmother inside their home in Virginia, while his elder brother narrowly escaped the attack.
According to US authorities, the incident occurred on the night of June 17 in Virginia. The accused, identified as Gaurav Chopra, allegedly opened fire on his family members inside their residence. Police said his 46-year-old mother Kamlesh Rani, 56-year-old father Sita Ram, and 73-year-old grandmother Mahendra Kaur sustained fatal gunshot wounds and died at the scene.
Investigators said the accused allegedly attempted to target his 21-year-old elder brother, Sajan, as well. However, the firearm reportedly malfunctioned, allowing the brother to escape and alert authorities.
Following the incident, the accused fled the residence in a vehicle. Police said his vehicle was later involved in a crash, after which law enforcement officers took him into custody. The firearm believed to have been used in the shootings was also recovered.
Authorities have charged the accused with multiple counts of murder. Court records indicate that he is being held without bail while the investigation continues. Police have not yet disclosed a motive behind the killings.
The incident has left members of the Punjabi diaspora stunned and has triggered mourning in Lakhpur village in Punjab’s Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district, the ancestral home of the family.
According to relatives in Punjab, the family had been living in the United States for more than two decades and was reportedly engaged in business there. Family members said Sita Ram, along with his wife and two sons, had visited their native village only a few months ago.
Residents of Lakhpur village said they learned about the tragedy through phone calls from relatives abroad. The shocking nature of the incident has left villagers struggling to understand what could have led to such a devastating outcome.
Police officials have stated that the motive behind the killings remains under investigation and that further details are expected to emerge as questioning of the accused continues.