Last Updated:
Police said the suspect, West, had been staying at the motel for about two weeks with a woman and a child. Shortly before shooting Ehagaban, he allegedly shot the woman.
AI-generated image used for representation
Rakesh Ehagaban, a 51-year-old Indian-origin motel owner, was shot dead on Friday in the US. The incident took place after the victim went outside to check on a dispute.
He was shot in the head after he stepped out, hearing the commotion and reportedly asked the accused,”Are you alright, bud?” before the attacker raised his gun and shot him. He died instantly at the scene.
Recommended Stories
The shooter was identified as 37-year-old Stanley Eugene West, and the incident was also captured on camera, reported India Today.
Woman Shot Before Motel Owner’s Murder
Police said the suspect, West, had been staying at the motel for about two weeks with a woman and a child. Shortly before shooting Ehagaban, he allegedly shot the woman—described as his companion—in the motel parking lot.
According to reports, the woman was inside her car with a child when she was shot by West in the neck. The injured woman, however, managed to drive away to a nearby auto service centre. She was found by the police who rushed her to a hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment and remains in critical condition.
Gunman Fled In U-Haul Van
After killing Ehagaban, the gunman reportedly “nonchalantly walked to a U-Haul van parked nearby and drove away,” according to the criminal complaint. West has been charged with criminal homicide, attempted homicide, and reckless endangerment.
Manhunt And Police Confrontation
Following the attack, police tracked West to Pittsburgh’s East Hills area, where he allegedly exchanged gunfire with officers. During the shootout, a Pittsburgh detective was injured and taken to the hospital.
The police tracked the attacker to the East Hills neighbourhood of Pittsburgh. A firing also broke out between the officers and West, leaving one Pittsburgh detective injured.
West was also shot by the officials, and both the officials and West were shifted to a hospital.
A further probe into the incident is underway and the police are reviewing the CCTV footage.
The incident comes nearly a month after an Indian-origin motel manager was beheaded following a dispute over a washing machine, reported PTI, citing police. The 50-year-old man was killed in front of his wife and son in Texas. The suspect, who was a co-worker, was arrested on the charges of capital murder following the incident.
About the Author
Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her…Read More
Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her… Read More
October 06, 2025, 08:02 IST
Loading comments…
Read More
