Washington: A 51-year-old Indian-origin motel owner, Rakesh Ehagaban, was shot dead on Friday in the United States after he stepped outside to check on a disturbance near his property.
According to reports, Ehagaban heard a commotion outside and went to investigate. Moments before his death, he reportedly asked the accused, “Are you alright, bud?” — prompting the attacker to raise his weapon and shoot him in the head. The victim died instantly at the scene. The tragic incident was caught on surveillance cameras, India Today reported.
The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Stanley Eugene West, has been charged with criminal homicide, attempted homicide, and reckless endangerment.
Woman Shot Moments Before Motel Owner’s Murder
Police said West had been staying at the motel for about two weeks with a woman and a child. Shortly before shooting Ehagaban, he allegedly opened fire on the woman — believed to be his companion — in the motel’s parking lot.
According to investigators, the woman was seated in her car with the child when West shot her in the neck. Despite her injuries, she managed to drive to a nearby auto service center, where police found her and rushed her to the hospital. She remains in critical condition, authorities confirmed.
Gunman Fled in U-Haul Van
After killing Ehagaban, the gunman reportedly calmly walked to a nearby U-Haul van and drove away from the scene, according to details from the criminal complaint. Law enforcement agencies immediately launched a manhunt to locate the suspect.
Shootout During Manhunt
Police later tracked West to the East Hills neighborhood of Pittsburgh, where he allegedly engaged officers in a gunfight. During the exchange of fire, a Pittsburgh detective was injured and taken to the hospital for treatment.
West was also shot during the confrontation and was subsequently taken into custody. Both he and the injured officer are being treated at a local hospital.
Authorities are now conducting a detailed investigation and reviewing CCTV footage from the crime scene and surrounding areas to establish the full sequence of events.
Similar Incident Reported Last Month
This killing comes less than a month after another tragic incident involving a member of the Indian diaspora in the US. A 50-year-old Indian-origin motel manager was beheaded in Texas following a dispute over a washing machine. The victim was killed in front of his wife and son, and the suspect — a co-worker — was arrested and charged with capital murder, according to police reports cited by PTI.
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