Accomac, Virginia— In a heartbreaking tragedy that has shaken a small town and devastated the Indian American community, 56-year-old Pradeep Patel and his 24-year-old daughter Urmi Patel were fatally shot during an early morning robbery at their family-run convenience store. The shooting occurred on March 20, 2025, in Accomack County, Virginia, as the pair prepared to open for the day.
Key Facts:
- The shooting happened early morning on March 20, 2025, at a store on Lankford Highway in Accomac County.
- Victims identified as Pradeep Patel and his daughter Urmi Patel, who were at the store during opening hours.
- 44-year-old George Frazier Devon Wharton has been arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
Surveillance footage and police reports indicate that the suspect entered the store and opened fire without provocation. Both victims were struck and died at the scene. The accused, George Frazier Devon Wharton, was arrested shortly after and now faces charges of first-degree murder, robbery, and firearms violations.
The Patels, originally from India, were known as hardworking and kind members of their community. Pradeep had been helping his brother-in-law, Paresh Patel, run the store since moving to the U.S. Urmi had recently joined the family business while preparing for her future in America. The family had immigrated just six years ago in search of a better life. Now, their dreams have been shattered in a senseless act of violence.
Paresh Patel, speaking through tears, said, “They just came to open the store… start working… and they just shot.” The family has received an outpouring of support from across Virginia and beyond. Local residents described the Patels as generous, soft-spoken, and always smiling—a fixture in a tight-knit community that is now reeling in grief.
The tragedy has sparked urgent conversations about store safety, particularly for immigrant families operating small businesses in rural and semi-rural areas. Advocates are calling for better security measures, including panic buttons, surveillance upgrades, and emergency response systems, especially for stores run by vulnerable communities.
Do You Know?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, convenience store workers are among the most at-risk for workplace homicides in the U.S.—a fact that has led many states to consider enhanced safety requirements for such businesses.
Key Terms:
- First-Degree Murder: A legal term for a premeditated, intentional killing, considered the most serious form of homicide.
- Robbery: A crime involving theft accompanied by force or threat of force.
- Convenience Store: A small retail business open for extended hours, often selling snacks, drinks, and basic groceries.
- Immigrant Family: A family that has moved from one country to another, typically seeking safety, opportunity, or a better quality of life.
- Community Vigil: A gathering held to mourn and honor victims of a tragedy, often involving candlelight, prayers, or speeches.