A shocking act of violence rooted in a family dispute has claimed four lives in the US state of Georgia, prompting the arrest of a 51-year-old man in the early hours of Friday. The incident took place in Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County, where police were alerted to a shooting inside a residential home.
Victims Identity
Authorities identified the suspect as Vijay Kumar, an Atlanta resident. Among those killed was his wife, 43-year-old Meemu Dogra. The other victims were named as Gourav Kumar, 33, Nidhi Chander, 37, and Harish Chander, 38, all of whom were living at the Lawrenceville residence.
Emergency services were contacted around 2.30 am after gunshots were reported at a house on Brook Ivy Court. Officers arriving at the location found four adults dead inside the home, each having sustained fatal gunshot injuries, according to police.
As the situation unfolded, it emerged that three children were present inside the house when the shooting began. In an effort to protect themselves, the children hid in a closet. One of them Kumar’s 12-year-old child managed to dial 911 and share crucial information, enabling law enforcement to reach the scene swiftly. Police later confirmed that all three children were physically unharmed and were taken into the care of a family member.
Investigators said the incident followed a heated argument between Kumar and his wife at their Atlanta home earlier that night. The couple later travelled with their child to the Lawrenceville residence, where their relatives Gourav Kumar, Nidhi Chander and Harish Chander lived along with two minors aged seven and nine.
K-9 Unit Tracks Suspect
After the shooting, officers noticed Kumar’s vehicle parked outside the house. A K-9 unit was deployed to search the surrounding area, leading police to locate the suspect in a nearby wooded stretch. He was taken into custody shortly thereafter.
The Consulate General of India in Atlanta acknowledged the tragedy and confirmed that an Indian national was among those who lost their lives. “We are deeply grieved by a tragic shooting incident linked to an alleged family dispute, in which an Indian national was among the victims. The alleged shooter has been arrested, and all possible assistance is being extended to the bereaved family,” the Indian mission said in a statement on X.
Local authorities stressed that no additional suspects are being sought at this time. “At this time, there are no outstanding suspects. The motive remains under investigation but appears to be domestic related,” police said.
Vijay Kumar now faces multiple charges, including four counts each of aggravated assault, felony murder and malice murder. He has also been charged with one count of cruelty to children in the first degree and two counts in the third degree. The investigation remains ongoing.
