- By Shivangi Sharma
- Tue, 29 Apr 2025 08:39 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
An Indian tech entrepreneur reportedly shot and killed his wife and one of their sons in a horrific incident at their home in Newcastle, Washington, last week, according to police. Following the deadly attack, the man, identified as Harshavardhana Kikkeri, is believed to have taken his own life.
The King County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call around 7 pm on April 24 at a townhouse located off 129th Place Southeast. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a bloodstained front window and a hollow point bullet lying in the street—an ominous sign of the tragedy inside.
Inside the home, 41-year-old Shwetha Panyam and her 14-year-old son Dhruva Kikkeri were found dead from gunshot wounds. The medical examiner later confirmed that the two had died by homicide. The suspected perpetrator, 44-year-old Harshavardhana Kikkeri, was also found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, confirming suicide.
Investigation Ongoing, Motive Unclear
Authorities say it remains unclear what led to the violent outburst. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Brandyn Hull noted, “An investigation such as this takes time, and our detectives are working diligently to piece together what led to this incident.” The motive behind the killings has not yet been determined, and the Sheriff’s Office stated no further updates would be available until the investigation is complete.
News crews on-site reported seeing a child, believed to be the couple's surviving son, escorted from the scene and comforted by investigators. Police have not released the identity or condition of the child.
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Quiet Family With Tragic End
Neighbours described the Kikkeri family as friendly but private. “They kept to themselves, but there were never any problems,” said Alex Gumina, president of the homeowners' association. The family had recently moved into the Newcastle community and had not drawn much attention.
Originally from KR Pet Taluk in Karnataka's Mandya district, Harshavardhana Kikkeri had returned to India in 2017 with his wife to co-found HoloWorld, a Mysuru-based robotics company. Unfortunately, the business folded in 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the couple's return to the United States.
Kikkeri, who had served as CEO, was recognised in Indian tech circles for his entrepreneurial efforts. Shwetha Panyam, his wife, was the co-founder of the same firm. Their son Dhruva was reportedly a bright student with a passion for technology.
