Melbourne-based Gurinder Singh Hans says his family is "relieved" after a 37-year-old man was arrested and charged over the quadruple homicide that shocked the US Sikh community nearly two months ago.
“We feel relieved after this arrest. We always had a suspicion that it was not a hate crime but an inside job. But we won’t jump to conclusions until he's held guilty by the justice system,” Mr Hans told SBS Punjabi.
“We thank the police department for their tireless effort and sincerely hope that justice will be served.”
Mr Hans’s brother-in-law Gurpreet Singh Sekhon was arrested at Branford today after an ongoing investigation by West Chester, Ohio Police.
Mr Hans’ mother, Amarjit Kaur was shot dead in a West Chester apartment complex in Cincinnati on April 28, along with his uncle, Hakikat Singh Panag, aunt, Paramjit Kaur and their daughter, Shalinderjeet Kaur. Shalinder was Gurpreet’s wife.
In a press conference, Joel Herzog, the West Chester Township Police Chief told the media that the investigation is still undergoing and he won’t comment on whether there are any other suspects.
He also declined to answer reporter questions on whether the accused had any intentions to run away to India.
“This process is complicated and takes time. Preserving the integrity of this case is crucial to the process. The men and women of the West Chester Police Department showed true professionalism to their commitment to bring Gurpreet Singh to justice” Chief Joel Herzog said.
Earlier, the police told media that the crime was discovered by a relative of the family who reportedly arrived at the apartment and found his family members dead on the floor and immediately called 911.
“My wife and three other family members were on the ground and bleeding... they're bleeding from the head," a man said on the 911 call released by the police.
"No one's talking, no one's talking," he shouted. Two neighbours also called 911.
Mr Hans who is an Australian citizen had earlier told SBS Punjabi that he always suspected that killings were an 'inside job' carried out by someone who had a definite motive.
He has also appealed to members of the community and his extended family to help the police with the ongoing investigation.
“I’d like to appeal to my family members and friends to come forward and speak with the police in case they’re aware of any piece of information that can help the police with investigation,” he said.
“The family have full faith in the US justice system. We won’t jump to the conclusions but will desperately wait for the jury’s decision.”
Gurpreet Singh Sekhon will be held in the New Haven County Jail until extradition occurs.
Prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty.
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