Yellow law enforcement tape isolating crime scene. Blurred view of city, toned in red and blue police car lights

ALTON, TX – A 19-year-old man is accused of killing his father, mother, and grandmother and attempting to kill his brother in a shooting Tuesday night that unfolded inside a home in the 3700 block of Roosevelt Avenue, authorities said. The suspect, identified as Gaurav Chopra, was taken into custody after fleeing the scene in a vehicle and crashing during a pursuit.

Hidalgo County Sheriff J.E. “Eddie” Guerra said deputies responded shortly after 9 p.m. following a 911 call from a man who reported that his brother had “killed his family” and tried to shoot him as well. The caller told dispatchers he had managed to avoid being struck.

Deputies encounter fleeing suspect after 911 call

As deputies converged on the neighborhood, one officer spotted a white Lexus leaving the gated subdivision, authorities said. Chopra allegedly fled from the deputy, leading to a pursuit that ended when he crashed into two other vehicles. He was then arrested at the scene.

Investigators said a 9mm handgun believed to be the murder weapon was recovered from inside the car.

Inside the home, deputies located three victims on the second floor suffering from gunshot wounds to the head. Kamlesh Rani, 46, and Minder Kaur, 73, were pronounced dead at the scene. Sweeta Ram, 56, was transported to a hospital, where he later died.

Community reacts as motive remains unclear

Sheriff Guerra said investigators are still working to determine a motive for the killings. Chopra has been charged with capital murder of multiple persons and attempted capital murder. He remains in the Hidalgo County Jail without bond, and a court date has not yet been announced.

Ram, identified by community members as the owner of a local motel and event center, was remembered by local officials as an active and generous figure in the area.

“He was a high-spirited, motivating person and always had positive things to say. I never heard him say a negative thing,” Palmview Mayor Rick Villarreal told KVEO.

Villarreal also described Ram’s involvement in community events, saying, “Any time we asked, he never said no. We had several functions, a Christmas celebration, our Thanksgiving, employee recognitions. He always provided the best food.”

Local reports indicate Chopra was a student at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

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