The police reported that Dilipkumar and Bindu Brahmbhatt, a married couple, were discovered fatally shot in their apartment on the second floor. Their son, Yashkumar Brahmbhatt, was also found at the scene with several gunshot wounds. Despite being immediately transported to the hospital, he unfortunately did not survive.
A young Indian student, aged 23, has been taken into custody and formally charged in connection with a horrifying triple murder case in New Jersey, according to statements from the police and reports in the US media. The student is alleged to have brutally ended the lives of his own family members – his grandparents and an uncle – within the confines of a local condominium.
#IEWorld | A 23-year-old Indian student has been arrested and charged for allegedly murdering his grandparents and uncle inside a New Jersey condominium, police and US media reports saidhttps://t.co/z6LQDGgQIa
— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) November 29, 2023
Om Brahmbhatt, a 23-year-old Indian student, stands accused of the fatal shootings of three family members: Dilipkumar Brahmbhatt, 72, Bindu Brahmbhatt, 72, and Yashkumar Brahmbhatt, 38. This information was released in a joint statement by the South Plainfield Police Department and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
The tragic incident took place in a residential area on Coppola Drive, off New Durham Road in South Plainfield, New Jersey.
The authorities were alerted to the situation around 9 am on Monday. A vigilant neighbor reported hearing gunshots, prompting an immediate response from local law enforcement. Upon arrival, officers discovered the horrifying scene inside the Brahmbhatt family home.
Upon their arrival at the scene, law enforcement officers were met with a grisly sight. They discovered three individuals – Two men and a woman – who had suffered gunshot wounds. The victims had been subjected to a violent attack.
A married couple, Dilipkumar and Bindu Brahmbhatt, were discovered lifeless in their second-floor apartment, as reported by the police. Their son, Yashkumar Brahmbhatt, was also found in the apartment, his body riddled with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the immediate medical attention and efforts to save him, Yashkumar surrender to his injuries at the hospital.
A suspect was apprehended at the scene of the crime. The individual was initially detained for questioning, and following the investigation, was subsequently charged. The suspect, identified as Om, was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of second-degree weapon possession.
Om, who originally hails from the Indian state of Gujarat, was not just a random suspect. He shared a residence with the victims, adding a layer of complexity to the case. When the authorities arrived at the scene, they found Om present at the residence, further deepening his connection to the incident.
Om, the suspect in this tragic case, is relatively new to New Jersey, having relocated there just a few months ago, according to sources. His move to the area was recent, and he had been residing in the condo where the incident took place, as reported by NBC New York.
The 23-year-old student, who is currently under arrest, has been transported to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center.
A pre-trial detention hearing is pending for the student, as of now, it remains uncertain whether the student has secured legal representation.
Furthermore, attempts to contact the student have been unsuccessful as no contact number could be found for him.
The complaint lodged against the student reveals that the alleged crime was executed using a handgun, which Om claims to have purchased via an online platform.
During his court appearance on Tuesday, Om maintained a seemingly composed demeanor, which might have been unexpected given the gravity of the charges against him.
It was Om himself who placed a call to 911 on the morning of the alleged crime, effectively reporting himself. When queried by officials about the crime, he stated, “It might be me.”
The circumstances that cause the shooting remain unclear.
A local resident, who lives in presence to the condominium where the incident took place, shared some potentially significant information with NBC New York. This was not the first instance of law enforcement being called to the condo.
Jim Short, a neighbour who resides in the unit above where the tragic incident occurred, shared his limited interactions with the victims. He stated,
“I didn’t really know them, I just know one time the police were there for a domestic violence call.”
“Can happen anywhere but it is really creepy, it’s right downstairs.” jim added
The Traditions apartment complex, is known to be home to many young families who have emigrated from India. The complex is equipped with an extensive security system, including dozens of security cameras.
Victor Orozco, a fellow resident, expressed his hope that the extensive surveillance system in the complex could provide some answers. These cameras monitor the comings and goings of residents and visitors, providing a comprehensive view of the activities within the complex. The external cameras, each building is also fitted with cameras in the breezeways, further enhancing the security measures in place.
The South Plainfield Police Department is currently spearheading an investigation into the shooting incident. In an effort to gather as much information as possible, the authorities are reaching out to the public for assistance. The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office is also involved in the investigation.
The investigation into the incident was meticulously carried out by Detective Thomas Rutter from the South Plainfield Police Department, in collaboration with Detective Javier Morillo from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Through their comprehensive investigation, they were able to ascertain that this incident was not a random act of violence.
Furthermore, they determined that there was no ongoing threat to the public. This assessment was made after considering various factors, including the nature of the incident.
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