Tragedy as Texas varsity student shoots parents, grandmother dead

A University of Texas Rio Grande Valley student, identified as Gaurav Chopra (19), has allegedly shot his father, Sweera Ram (56); his mother, Kamlesh Rani (46), and his grandmother Minder Kaur (73) dead.

Gaurav, an Indian-origin teenager in Texas, United States, reportedly opened fire and killed his family members and was arrested after a dramatic chase by the local police.

According to a report by KRGV 5 News, the accused also opened fire at his brother who survived the attack and gave a call to 911.

The police rushed to the spot as soon as they learnt about the incident. Upon their arrival, they found two victims dead, and the accused fled from the scene.

The police took the third victim (Sweera Ram) to the hospital, where he died while undergoing treatment.

The arrest of Gaurav followed a dramatic car chase which led to the hospitalisation of two people, whose car was hit by Gaurav’s over-speeding car.

After taking him into custody, the police found a handgun in his car and suspect that the murder was committed by that weapon.

Gaurav appeared in court on Thursday and was charged with capital murder of multiple persons and attempted murder. No bond was granted on those charges. He also faces a charge of evading arrest.

Authorities have not disclosed a motive. Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra said the suspect made claims during the investigation that investigators did not consider accurate.

Police also said there had been no previous calls to the family’s residence.

In a statement, the university said it was aware that a current student had been identified in an off-campus criminal investigation and would cooperate with law enforcement while directing case-related questions to investigating agencies.