Indian-Origin Man Faces Multiple Murder Charges in Georgia Domestic Shooting
A 51-year-old man of Indian origin has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of murder following a tragic domestic shooting incident in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The suspect, identified as Vijay Kumar, allegedly shot and killed four family members during an early morning dispute on Friday, January 23.
Victims Identified in the Lawrenceville Tragedy
Gwinnett County police have released the names of the four adult victims who lost their lives in this horrific incident. The deceased include:
- Meemu Dogra, 43 (Kumar's wife from Atlanta)
- Gourav Cumar, 33 (Lawrenceville resident)
- Nidhi Chander, 37 (Lawrenceville resident)
- Harish Chander, 38 (Lawrenceville resident)
The three Lawrenceville victims were relatives of both Dogra and Kumar and resided at the Brook Ivy Court home where the shooting occurred. According to police reports, the incident began with an argument between Kumar and his wife at their Atlanta residence before escalating at the Lawrenceville address.
Children Unharmed During the Shooting Incident
In a heartbreaking detail of this tragedy, three children were present in the home during the shooting but emerged physically unharmed. The children include:
- Kumar and Dogra's 12-year-old child
- Two other children aged 7 and 10 who lived at the residence
Police confirmed that the children had hidden in a closet during the shooting, with the 12-year-old making the crucial 911 call that alerted authorities. The quick response was aided by the child's detailed information provided to emergency operators.
Police Response and Suspect Apprehension
Gwinnett County police responded to shots-fired reports around 2:30 AM and discovered the four adults with fatal gunshot wounds inside the residence. Officers found Kumar's vehicle parked in the driveway, prompting an immediate search of the surrounding area.
With assistance from K-9 units, police located Kumar hiding in a nearby wooded area and took him into custody without incident. The efficient police response and subsequent arrest prevented further tragedy at the scene.
Multiple Criminal Charges Filed
According to charging documents, Vijay Kumar faces substantial legal consequences for his alleged actions. The charges include:
- Four counts each of malice murder
- Four counts each of felony murder
- Four counts each of aggravated assault
- One count of first-degree cruelty to children
- Two counts of third-degree cruelty to children
Police have classified the shooting as domestic in nature and confirmed previous service calls to the address, though specific details about the motive remain undisclosed as the investigation continues.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
Gwinnett County Police Cpl. Angela Carter expressed the profound tragedy of the situation, stating, "It's definitely a tragic situation. Four people dying at the same time, especially with children in the home, is very, very tragic."
The three children involved have been released into the care of a family member, while the Gwinnett County Police Department continues its thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this domestic violence incident. The case highlights the devastating consequences of domestic disputes escalating to violence, particularly within immigrant communities.
