SURESH PARSOTTAMDAS PATEL, from Mehsana, Gujarat, was killed during an armed robbery at his shop, Ridgecrest Cellars, in Jackson, Tennessee, on August 20. Patel had reportedly opened the store only a few days before the incident.
Police said they received a call around 9 pm about the robbery and shooting. Witnesses told police that an unidentified suspect entered the shop, showed a weapon and demanded cash from employees.
After taking the money, he fired multiple shots, hitting Patel. His 19-year-old daughter was reportedly standing next to him when he was shot.
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A 70-year-old employee, who had worked at the store since it opened, also reportedly fell and broke her wrist during the incident.
Police described the suspect as a Black male wearing a grey hoodie, jeans and black work-style boots.
"His face was covered with a paintball-style mask, and he was seen fleeing the business in a white sedan," the police said, releasing three pictures from the store.
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A resident of Patel's village in Mehsana said he had been living in the United States for nearly 30 years.
"A pall of gloom has descended over Aakhaj village in Mehsana district following the tragic news," he was quoted as saying by the news agency ANI.
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"Suresh Patel had been living in Chicago for a long time and had started his new store in Jackson City just a week before the incident," he said.
"The incident has left villagers deeply concerned, with fear and anxiety growing among people over such crimes being reported in the United States," he added.
(With inputs from agencies)
