In a tragic incident in Newcastle, Washington, Indian-origin
tech CEO Harshavardhana Kikkeri fatally shot his wife and teenage son before
dying by suicide. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the tragic
family murder-suicide.
Indian tech entrepreneur Harshavardhana Kikkeri allegedly
shot and killed his wife, Shwetha Panyam (41), and 14-year-old son Dhruva at
their Newcastle, Washington home on April 24, before dying by suicide.
Responding to a 911 call, police discovered evidence of violence, such as a
blood-spattered window and a bullet on the street.
Authorities confirmed the deaths were homicides and suicide.
A surviving child was seen being escorted from the home. The reason behind the
tragedy is still unknown, and authorities continue to investigate the case.
Neighbours described the family as quiet and private.
Originally from Karnataka, Kikkeri co-founded HoloWorld, a Mysuru robotics firm
with his wife, which shut down in 2022 due to COVID. They had recently returned
to the US. Kikkeri was a known entrepreneur, and their son was a bright tech
enthusiast.
