Police in the US state of Texas have arrested a man in connection with the murder of a 32-year-old Indian national during a robbery at a convenience store in Dallas.
Dasari Gopikrishna, who came to the US only eight months ago, was shot and killed at a store in Pleasant Grove, Dallas, on June 21.
He was a resident of Yajali village in Bapatla district of Andhra Pradesh.
Police have arrested 21-year-old Davonta Mathis for the murder of Gopikrishna.
He is accused of killing Gopikrishna by shooting him multiple times, including in the head.
During the robbery, Mathis entered the store, approached the counter and shot Gopikrishna. He stole items before fleeing, police said.
Gopikrishna was rushed to hospital in a critical condition and later died.
Mathis was originally arrested for robbery, but because of Gopikrishna’s death, the charge was changed to murder.
His bail has been set at US$7.5 million.
Mesquite Police Sergeant Curtis Phillip described Mathis’ behavior as “very odd,” and noted the significant impact of his decisions at such a young age.
Mathis is also accused in another fatal shooting in downtown Waco on June 20. He shot 60-year-old Muhammad Hussain multiple times, who died at a hospital.
Meanwhile, officials said the Indian Consulate here is finalising the arrangements with Gopikrishna’s family for bringing back his body.
Representatives of the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) and family friends, along with the Consulate, are assisting in transporting Gopikrishna’s body to his hometown in India.
The Consulate has confirmed that all police post-mortem and necessary formalities have been completed, and they are prioritising sending the body by Tuesday.
Gopikrishna’s murder is the second incident of a murder of a convenience store clerk working the night shift.
This incident has deeply affected the Indian community living in Dallas and surrounding areas. Gopikrishna is survived by his wife and son.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
