Karnataka techie couple, son found dead in double murder-suicide

An Indian American software engineer couple from Karnataka and their son were found dead at their house in Towson, Baltimore, Maryland, in an apparent double murder-suicide.

The deceased were identified as Yogesh Honnala Nagarajappa, 37; his wife Prathibha Y Amarnath, 35; and their son Yash Honnala, 6, who hailed from the Davanagere district of Karnataka.

Nagarajappa had been in the US for nine years, according to family members in India who said they learned about the deaths when the Baltimore police contacted them.

They were found dead inside a home in the 1000 block of Kenilworth Drive Friday afternoon, CBS reported citing Baltimore County Police.

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At approximately 12 pm, on Friday, August 18, 2023, officers with the Baltimore County Police Department were called to the 1000 block of Kenilworth Dr. for a check on welfare call. Once on scene, officers discovered two adults and one child deceased inside the home, it tweeted.

After gaining access to the home during a welfare check, police found 37-year-old Prathiba Y. Amarnath, 37-year-old Yogesh H. Nagarajappa and 6-year-old Yash Honnal with gunshot wounds, according to police.

A spokesperson said no suspects are being searched for. Detectives are working to notify family before more details are released.

A GoFundMe has been started to send the remains of Yogesh, Pratibha, and their son back to India. Their relative Soma Sekhar, who launched the fundraiser, wrote, “Yogesh, his cherished wife Pratibha, and their vibrant 6-year-old son Yash were the embodiment of a joyous family.”

“Drawn by dreams and hopes for a better life, they chose Towson as their home in the US Tragically, they fell victim to a harrowing incident, their lives ending far too soon.”

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“This unforeseen tragedy has left our family in profound grief, yearning to ensure their return to their Indian roots where they truly belong,” Sekhar wrote. “In this time of distress, we implore your compassionate support to ensure they find peace and respect in their homeland.”

“Regardless of size, every contribution speaks volumes of our shared humanity and the strength of collective compassion. We profoundly appreciate your generosity in helping reunite our dear Yogesh, Pratibha, and Yash with their homeland,” the GoFundMe page added.

Police said on Saturday that the shooting is believed to have been a double murder-suicide committed by Nagarajappa. Police say the Chief Medical Officer will examine the bodies to determine the cause of death.

The family was last seen alive Tuesday evening, according to police. A portion of Kenilworth Drive in Towson was closed for the investigation Friday afternoon but has since been reopened.

Police say there is no threat to the surrounding communities. “I am heartbroken and deeply saddened for the innocent victims whose lives were cut short by this horrific act,” Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olzewski said.

Olzewski added that his department will “do everything possible to assist family and community members following this tragic incident.”
County officials reminded residents about available mental health resources in Baltimore County.

“We encourage anyone experiencing a mental health crisis to call 988 and talk with trained mental health professionals who can connect those in distress with the resources they need,” officials said.