Gujarat father daughter shot dead at Virginia store

Suspect charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon

By Arun Kumar

Death of an Indian father and daughter from Gujarat in a shooting incident at a convenience store in Accomack County, Virginia, has sent shock waves through the Indian American community.

Pradipkumar Ratilal Patel, 56, was pronounced dead at the scene after the shooting early Thursday. His daughter Urmi Pradipbhai Patel, 24, was transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where she died on Saturday, according to local media reports.

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An Onancock man has been charged with shooting the two employees. Accomack County Sheriff’s deputies were first called to the convenience store, formally known as Shore Stop, at 23135 Lankford Highway, around 5:30 am, WAVY.com reported citing Sheriff W. Todd Wessells.

When they arrived, deputies discovered an unresponsive man suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. While searching the building, deputies found a woman suffering from apparent gunshot wounds as well.

An investigation led to warrants being obtained for George Frazier Devon Wharton, 44. He is currently incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied, a statement from Wessells said.

Wharton was charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a felon and two counts of use of a firearm in commission of a felony.

While a motive for the shooting wasn’t immediately revealed, Paresh Patel, who identified himself as the owner of the store, said both victims are members of his family.

“My cousin’s wife and her dad were working this morning and and some guy come here and they just shot,” Patel said. “I don’t know what to do.”

Six years ago, Patel and his wife Hansaben came to the US on a visitor visa along with their youngest daughter, Urvi. While one of Patel’s’ daughters lives in Canada, the other resides in Ahmedabad. Following the incident, Patel’s daughter and son-in-law flew in from Ahmedabad.

The investigation into the incident is still ongoing, and the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office asks that anyone with information should contact them at 757-787-1131 or 757-824-5666, or through their website at accomackcountysheriffsoffice.org.