Indian woman shot dead in New Jersey by Indian-origin man, another critical

An Indian woman was killed and another critically injured when a 19-year-old Indian-origin man shot them outside a residential building in Carteret, New Jersey. Gaurav Gill of Kent, Washington, has been arrested for the murder of 29-year-old Jasvir Kaur.

Jasvir Kaur succumbed to injuries at a hospital, the other victim, 20-year-old Gagandeep Kaur, is in critical condition at University Hospital Newark.

The shooting took place on Wednesday morning and the attacker was nabbed hours after the crime, according to CBS News.

Accused Gaurav Gill and injured woman Gagandeep Kaur were acquainted and attended an IELTS coaching centre in Nakodar, a town in Punjab, together, according to TOI.

Jasbir Kaur, who was killed, was from Gorsian near Nurmahal, a small city located in Punjab, and had been hosting her cousin Gagandeep at her home when the incident occurred on Wednesday morning.

Jasvir Kaur worked at the Amazon facility in Carteret, New Jersey. Her husband, a truck driver, was out of town during the incident, according to News12 New Jersey.

Jasbir and Gagandeep’s parents are small farmers. Jasbir’s father, Kewal Singh, shared that his daughter was very supportive, as was her husband. She moved to the US about five years ago, according to TOI.

Gagandeep went to the US on a study visa. Recently, she confided in Jasbir about her difficulties with her studies.

“Our daughter took her in and helped her in every way. Jasbir was asleep when the incident occurred. Gagandeep had an argument with the accused outside the house and called Jasbir for help. When Jasbir intervened, the accused fired seven shots at her face, killing her,” Kewal was quoted as saying by TOI.

Gagandeep and Gill arrived in the US around the same time.

Gagandeep’s mother, Surjit Kaur, said they were not familiar with Gaurav and were unaware of any disputes he might have had with their daughter.

Being small farmers, her husband also drove a school bus to make ends meet, and they managed to send Gagandeep to the US on a study visa.

Gill’s father, Charan, lives in Muscat, and his mother was hospitalised two days ago after learning about the incident, reported TOI.

Gill faces multiple charges, including one count of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, one count of fourth-degree possession of a high-capacity magazine, and one count of first-degree attempted murder.

Gill appeared before a judge in Middlesex County Court on Thursday. His first court appearance was brief, taking place at the Middlesex County Jail before Judge Gary Price, according to News12 New Jersey.

Authorities have not provided a motive for the shooting or clarified any connection between Gill and the victims.

Gill is scheduled to return to court on Tuesday for a detention hearing.

Published By:

Girish Kumar Anshul

Published On:

Jun 17, 2024