Two Indian-origin men are facing death penalty in California, US for the murder of an Indian international student, local media reports.
Indian-American Amritraj Singh Athwal and his cousin, Savirant Singh Athwal, charged with the murder of Dharampreet Singh Jassar, are facing the death penalty.
Amritraj Singh Athwal is alleged to be part of the gang that looted the gas station and fired multiple shots one of which hit Jasser.
Dharampreet Singh Jassar originally hailed from Punjab and was studying accounting and criminal justice at Fresno State University while working at the gas station.
Source: Darpan Magazine
Athwal and his cousin Savirant Singh are currently being held in Madera County Jail without bail.
Both men have been charged with murder, second degree robbery, and a special allegation for murder while in the commission of a robbery.
In a press release issued, Madera County District Attorney David Linn announced that he had filed additional special allegations against Athwal, which increased the possible penalties to life without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty.
“We do not take capital cases lightly, however, based upon the facts that have been reported to us from law enforcement, we believe that either life without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty, is the appropriate sentence in this case,” said Linn.
Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had expressed shock and requested External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to take up the matter with US authorities.
“Shocked at the gruesome killing of Nawanshahr’s Dharampreet Singh in California. @SushmaSwaraj ji, request to you to take up the issue at highest levels with US authorities to ensure justice for the family,” Singh had tweeted.
