Pravin Raojibhai Patel : “Elderly Indian-American Motel Owner Tragically Shot in US”

A 76-year-old Indian-origin motel owner was fatally shot by a customer in Alabama, USA, during a heated argument over a room. This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, marking yet another unfortunate event in a series of violence against the Indian diaspora.

Pravin Raojibhai Patel, the proprietor of Hillcrest Motel in Sheffield, was shot dead last week. Sheffield Police Chief Ricky Terry reported that William Jeremy Moore, a 34-year-old individual, was arrested in connection with the shooting.

According to authorities, the altercation between Moore and Patel erupted when Moore arrived at the motel seeking a room for rent. During the dispute, Moore brandished a firearm and fired at Patel, resulting in his untimely demise.

Chief Terry stated, “Moore was swiftly apprehended by Sheffield Police on 13th Avenue while attempting to break into an abandoned house.” The murder weapon was discovered in Moore’s possession during his arrest.

Witnesses reported that Patel had attempted to persuade Moore to leave before the shooting occurred. However, as Moore appeared to comply and depart, he suddenly turned around and fired two shots into Patel’s chest.

The aftermath of this tragic incident was witnessed by Jemeriz Owens, a barber working across the street. Still visibly shaken, Owens recounted, “I heard three gunshots. I can’t believe it; he was just doing his job.”

The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) issued a statement expressing their profound sadness, shock, and outrage over this senseless act of violence against a small business owner that claimed his life.

AAHOA Chairman Bharat Patel stated, “Senseless acts of violence have no place in our communities, and our hearts are breaking for Pravin’s family, including his wife, children, and grandchildren.”

Sanjay M. Patel, AAHOA Alabama Regional Director, revealed that Pravin Patel had dedicated over four decades of his life to owning and operating Hillcrest Motel. “He was a very family-oriented person, jolly, and a keen businessman,” Sanjay said.

The Patel family had become prominent figures in the community due to their genuine and caring nature. After residing in Sheffield for more than 40 years, Pravin Patel had become a familiar face and a respected member of the town.

AAHOA expressed confidence in the Alabama authorities’ ability to ensure justice for the Patel family.

Unfortunately, this incident is part of a distressing trend of violence against the Indian or Indian-American community in the United States.

Just recently, an Indian-origin family, including their 4-year-old twin boys, was discovered dead in their California home, with the authorities investigating the case as a murder-suicide.

Similarly, on February 10, a 41-year-old Indian-origin IT executive lost his life after sustaining life-threatening injuries in an assault outside a restaurant in Washington.

Prior to that, Syed Mazahir Ali, an Indian student, was attacked by robbers in Chicago. Tragically, 25-year-old Indian student Vivek Saini was fatally assaulted in Georgia’s Lithonia city by a homeless drug addict.

Another Indian student, Shreyas Reddy Beniger, was found dead in Ohio. However, local authorities have ruled out foul play in his case.

On February 5, Sameer Kamath, a 23-year-old Indian-American student at Purdue University, was discovered dead in a nature preserve in Indiana. Likewise, another Indian student, Neel Acharya, was confirmed dead at Purdue University in Indiana, days after being reported missing on January 28.

Lastly, 18-year-old Akul B Dhawan, a student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, was found dead last month, showing signs of hypothermia.

This tragic incident highlights the urgent need to address the rising violence against the Indian diaspora in the United States.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)