US Indian Family found Dead in ‘Murder-Suicide’

A US Indian couple were found dead at their home in Baltimore, Maryland, in a suspected double murder-suicide case.

The deceased were identified as Yogesh Nagarajappa, Prathibha Amarnath and six-year-old Yash Honnala.

According to police, at approximately 12 pm on August 18, 2023, officers with the Baltimore County Police Department were called to the home for a welfare check.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers found the three people.

They are believed to be husband, wife and son. Each member appeared to suffer from a gunshot wound.

Nagarajappa and Amarnath were software engineers.

The US Indian family were originally from the Davanagere district of Karnataka but had been in the United States for nine years.

Police suspect Nagarajappa shot his wife and their son before taking his own life.

Family members in India said they learned about the deaths when they were contacted by the Baltimore police.

Nagarajappa’s mother Shobha said: “We received a phone call from the police saying all three died by suicide, and they were probing the reason behind the death.”

Nagarajappa’s family are from the village of Halekallu. His father passed away a few years ago.

Shobha continued: “Yogesh called me over the phone regularly. I am living here with another son Puneeth.

“There were no domestic issues between the couple. We request the authorities to send the remains back to India. Also, we need to know the reason behind their deaths.”

Baltimore County police spokesperson Anthony Shelton said:

“Based on the initial investigation, this incident is believed to be a double murder-suicide that suspect Yogesh H Nagarajappa committed…”

In a statement from the County Executive Office, Johnny Olszewski has urged anyone going through a mental health crisis to contact 988 and speak with a trained mental health professional who can connect those in distress with the resources they need.

He said:

“I am heartbroken and deeply saddened for the innocent victims whose lives were cut short by this horrific act.”

“We will do everything possible to assist family and community members following this tragic incident.”

The Office of the Chief Medical Officer will complete a thorough examination of the incident to determine the cause of death.

An investigation will also look into the reason behind the family’s deaths.

It was reported that family members were last seen alive on the evening of August 15, 2023.