Gunshots were heard in Carteret, New Jersey, and two Indian women fell to the ground, one of whom succumbed to her injuries from the bullets, while the other remains in critical condition. The assailant, an Indian-origin man, originated from Nakodar, a small town in Punjab.
The roots of Wednesday's attack in the US are being traced back to an IELTS center in Nakodar, Punjab, situated across continents and a distance of 11,500 km.
The perpetrator, 19-year-old Gaurav Gill, targeted 29-year-old Jasvir Kaur and 20-year-old Gagandeep Kaur, both hailing from Punjab. Jasvir tragically lost her life due to gunshot wounds, while Gagandeep is currently battling for her life at University Hospital Newark, in critical condition.
Reports indicate that Gaurav and Gagandeep were acquainted through an IELTS coaching centre in Nakodar, Punjab, where they both received training for pursuing studies abroad, as per a Times of India report.
Jasvir Kaur, who tragically lost her life in the incident, was a resident of Gorsian near Nurmahal in Punjab. She was hosting her cousin Gagandeep at her residence in Carteret when the shooting occurred on Wednesday morning.
Gagandeep, who was studying in the US on a visa, had recently shared her academic challenges with Jasbir.
According to Kewal Singh, Jasvir's father, the accused Gaurav Gill approached Gagandeep outside the house while Jasvir was asleep. An altercation ensued, and when Jasvir intervened, Gill fired seven shots at her, leading to her untimely demise.
Both Gagandeep and the accused, Gaurav Gill, had traveled to the US around the same time.
Surjit Kaur, Gagandeep's mother, expressed their lack of familiarity with Gill or any disputes involving her daughter.
Gagandeep's father, hailing from a farming background, also worked as a school bus driver to support the family and ensure Gagandeep could pursue her studies in the US.
Jasvir, who was married and reportedly worked at an Amazon facility in Carteret, was alone at home as her husband was away working as a truck driver, according to US media reports.
Gaurav Gill was apprehended six hours after the incident in a backyard around half a mile from the shooting scene. He had been residing in Kent, Washington, and now faces charges that include first-degree murder, attempted murder, and weapon possession offenses.
Gill made his initial appearance before a judge at Middlesex County Court on Thursday. The brief session took place at the Middlesex County Jail in the presence of Judge Gary Price, as reported by News12 New Jersey.
Gaurav Gill is scheduled to appear in court again on Tuesday for a detention hearing.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the shooting or clarified any connection between Gill and the victims.
