In a tragic incident in Accomack County, Virginia, Pradipkumar Patel (56) and his daughter Urmi Patel (24), both of Indian origin, were shot dead inside their convenience store by 44-year-old George David Frazier Wharton. The father-daughter duo had just opened the store on the morning of March 20 when Wharton entered around 5 a.m., initially demanding to know why the store was closed at night. Without warning, Wharton pulled out a firearm and opened fire, killing Pradipkumar instantly, while Urmi succumbed to her injuries later at the hospital.
The victims were originally from Mehsana district in Gujarat, India, and had moved to the U.S. six years ago in search of better opportunities. The store was owned by a relative, Paresh Patel, who expressed his shock and grief, stating he could not comprehend what had happened. Pradipkumar’s uncle, Chandu Patel, a leader in the Kadva Patidar community, shared the family’s devastation, saying they learned of the killings through media reports and viral videos. Urmi, who had been married three years ago to Ashok Patel, may have her final rites performed in the U.S.
Wharton was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a felon, and two counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. The double murder has deeply disturbed the Indian-American community, with growing concerns over violence against small business owners. This incident follows the recent killing of Mainank Patel, a 36-year-old Indian-origin convenience store owner in North Carolina, further highlighting the dangers faced by Indian immigrants in the U.S.
