A 76-year-old individual of Indian origin, identified as Pravin Raojibhai Patel and known as the proprietor of the Hillcrest Motel, tragically lost his life in Alabama, United States, as a result of a dispute with a customer regarding room rental arrangements.
The fatal altercation took place in Sheffield, Alabama, last week, where Patel was fatally shot during a confrontation with a 34-year-old individual named William Jeremy Moore, as reported by the news outlet al.com.
The altercation reportedly arose when Moore sought to secure accommodation at the motel but became embroiled in a heated argument with Patel. Matters escalated when Moore brandished a handgun, ultimately leading to the fatal shooting of the elderly motel owner.
Law enforcement authorities promptly apprehended Moore following the shooting, as he was discovered attempting to forcibly enter an abandoned property nearby, with the murder weapon recovered from his possession at the time of arrest, according to Sheffield Police Chief Ricky Terry.
Eyewitness Jemeriz Owens, a barber operating across the street from the motel, recounted hearing three consecutive gunshots and described Patel's attempt to confront the individual before the tragic incident unfolded, as detailed in a report by WAAY 31 news channel.
The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) swiftly denounced the incident, denoting it as a "senseless act of violence." AAHOA chairman Bharat Patel conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Patel, emphasizing the imperative of preventing such incidents of violence within communities.
This heartbreaking incident serves as another grim addition to a series of unfortunate events in America. Just earlier this week, an Indian-American couple and their four-year-old twins were discovered deceased in their residence in San Mateo, California. The recent spate of such occurrences has understandably sparked concerns regarding the safety and security of individuals from the Indian community residing in the United States.
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