21-Year-Old Arrested For Murder Of Indian Man In US Store

Houston: A man has been arrested by the police in the US state of Texas in connection with the killing of a 32-year-old Indian man during a convenience store robbery. Dasari Gopikrishna, who came to the US eight months ago, was shot dead at the convenience store in Pleasant Grove in Dallas, Texas on June 21.

Gopikrishna, who had a wife and son, hailed from Yajali village of the Bapatla district in Andhra Pradesh.

21-year-old Davonta Mathis has been arrested by the police for murdering Gopikrishna, and faces capital murder charges for fatally shooting the man multiple times, including in the head.

Mathis walked into the store, approached the counter, and shot Gopikrishna. He stole items before running away, the police said.

Gopikrishna was taken to the hospital in critical condition, where he later died.

Initially arrested for robbery, Mathis’ charge was upgraded to capital murder because of Gopikrishna’s death. His bond is set at USD 7.5 million, PTI reported.

Sgt. Curtis Phillip of the Mesquite Police described Mathis’ behaviour as “very bizarre”.

Mathis was also charged in a separate fatal shooting in Waco city on June 20 after he shot Muhammad Hussain, 60, multiple times. Hussain died from his injuries at the hospital.

Arrangements are being made by the Indian consulate for repatriating his body.

Telugu Association of North America (TANA) representatives and family friends are collaborating with the consulate to facilitate the transportation of the body back to his hometown in India.

The body is expected to be sent by Tuesday as all the essential formalities have been completed.

(With Inputs From PTI)