Police say Mala Manwani, 65, and Rishi Manwani, 32, “appear to have died from gunshot wounds.”
Two Indian Americans were shot dead in an apparent double homicide at a home in Aldie, VA, in the Loudoun County, in suburban Washington, DC.
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as Mala Manwani, 65, and her son Rishi Manwani, 32. In a press release, the office said both “appear to have died from gunshot wounds” and its detectives are investigating the deaths.
The release said the office was notified by a caller on Wednesday that a co-worker had not come to work this week. “Deputies checked the residence and the adult in question and another adult were found deceased inside,” the release said.
Police said the case does not appear to be a random act and there is no indication of any threat to the public.
According to Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, the bodies were found in separate rooms and had multiple bullet injuries.
Sheriff Mike Chapman said, “We suspect it was related to potentially-criminal activity that was going on in the residence. That’s why we’re not concerned this was anything other than a targeted set of murders here.”
Without further revealing the details, Chapman said that the investigation is in progress and he cannot speak on other aspects of the investigation.
It has been confirmed that the family has gone through difficult times when Rishi Manwani’s brother died from a heroin overdose in 2015 in Fairfax County. Another friend of the family told NBC Washington that Rishi was also into using drugs.
Darlene Laframboise, a neighbor was quoted by NBC Washington saying that they had reported to the police of a car moving up and down on the street.
“We mourn the stunning loss of Mala Manwani. Mala was known as a kind and dedicated employee by everyone who worked with her. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Manwani family and we will continue to offer any support in the days and weeks ahead,” read a release from CSRA, an IT and Technology Solutions company based in Virginia where Mala Manwani worked as a tax attorney.
“It’s terrifying,” said neighbor Sarah Hayes to NBC Washington. “I’m so sad for them and scared for my family and for my neighborhood.”
“As far as I know, we’re not familiar with any reports of any suspicious activity at this home before,” Chapman added.
Investigators are also checking for outdoor footage from the surveillance camera of neighbors for finding clue to unlock the mystery behind the murder.
“I wasn’t ready to lose a good old friend this young. Especially not this way. We are all in total shock. A moment a silence for one of the realist guys to walk this earth,” wrote Jairo Vargas Jr, a friend of Rishi Manwani on Facebook.