An Indian woman lost her life and another remains in critical condition after a 19-year-old of Indian origin, Gaurav Gill from Kent, Washington, allegedly shot them outside a residential building in Carteret, New Jersey. The deceased victim, 29-year-old Jasvir Kaur, succumbed to her injuries at a hospital, while the injured victim, 20-year-old Gagandeep Kaur, is fighting for her life at University Hospital Newark.
The incident occurred on Wednesday morning, and the assailant was apprehended hours later, according to CBS News. Gaurav Gill and Gagandeep Kaur were familiar with each other, having attended an IELTS coaching centre together in Nakodar, Punjab, as reported by The Times of India (TOI).
Jasvir Kaur, the deceased, hailed from Gorsian near Nurmahal, Punjab, and was hosting her cousin Gagandeep at her residence when the tragedy unfolded. Jasvir worked at an Amazon facility in Carteret, New Jersey, while her husband, a truck driver, was away during the incident, according to News12 New Jersey.
Both Jasvir and Gagandeep's parents are small-scale farmers. Jasvir's father, Kewal Singh, described his daughter as supportive and stated that she had moved to the US around five years ago, according to TOI. Gagandeep had arrived in the US on a study visa and recently confided in Jasvir about her academic challenges.
Kewal Singh recounted the tragic event, saying, "Our daughter was asleep when the incident happened. Gagandeep had an argument with the accused outside the house and called Jasvir for help. When Jasvir intervened, the accused fired seven shots at her face, killing her."
Gagandeep and Gaurav Gill arrived in the US around the same time. Gagandeep's mother, Surjit Kaur, expressed unfamiliarity with Gill and any possible disputes involving her daughter.
Charan, Gill's father, resides in Muscat, and his mother was hospitalized upon learning of the incident two days ago, as reported by TOI.
Gill faces serious charges including first-degree murder, second-degree weapon possession charges, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a high-capacity magazine, and attempted first-degree murder. He appeared before Judge Gary Price at Middlesex County Court on Thursday, with a brief initial appearance at Middlesex County Jail, according to News12 New Jersey.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the shooting or clarified any connections between Gill and the victims. Gill is scheduled for a detention hearing on Tuesday.
