In a heart-wrenching turn of events that has left a community in shock, a family of four Indian- Americans was discovered deceased under mysterious circumstances in their San Mateo, California, home on the morning of February 12. Here's a detailed breakdown of the sequence of events and the ongoing investigation:
- Victims Identified: The deceased were Anand Henry (42), his wife Alice Priyanka (40), and their adorable twin boys, Noah and Nathan, aged four. The family hailed from Kollam, Kerala, and had made their life in the US.
- Discovery Timeline:
- February 11: Alice's mother, Juliet, leaves California, flying back after a visit. Anand and Alice, both professionals with roots in technology and entrepreneurship, were reportedly living normal lives up until this point.
- February 12, Early Hours: Juliet, concerned after not receiving replies to her messages, asks a relative to check on the family.
- 9:15 AM: A family friend, prompted by Juliet's concern, requests a welfare check from the San Mateo Police, leading to the grim discovery.
- Scene Details:
- Location: Their San Mateo residence, where the family of four were found in separate rooms, presenting a baffling scene to the responding officers.
- Investigation Findings: No signs of forced entry or external struggle were evident. The children were found in their bedroom, while the parents were located in the bathroom, both with gunshot wounds. A 9 mm pistol was recovered at the scene.
- Ongoing Investigation:
- Police are meticulously piecing together the events, leaning towards investigating the case as a possible murder-suicide. Anand had filed for divorce in 2016, adding layers to the complex narrative.
- Autopsies are underway to determine the exact cause of death for all four family members, with special attention on the children, where no clear signs of trauma were evident.
- Community Reaction:
- Neighbors described the family as friendly and happy, often seen taking walks together. This tragedy has undoubtedly cast a pall over their community, leaving more questions than answers.
- Authorities' Statement: San Mateo Police have reassured the public that there is no ongoing danger, indicating that the incident was isolated. Their investigation continues, focusing on understanding the household dynamics leading up to the tragedy.
This devastating event has not only left a family's extended members in grief but has also rippled through the hearts of everyone who has come to know of it. As the community awaits further details, the reminder of the fragility of life and the complexities of human relationships becomes ever more poignant.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.
Source: San Mateo Police Department