A family of four people from the southern Indian state of Kerala, were found dead inside their home in California’s San Mateo on February 13, 2024. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities believe it to be a possible murder-suicide.
According to the media report, the deceased were identified as Ananad Sujith Henry, aged 42 and his wife Alice Priyanka Benziger, aged 40 and their four-year-old twin boys named Noah and Neithan.
Police officers were dispatched to the family’s home on the 4100 Block of Alameda De Las Pulgas on February 12, 2024 morning for a “welfare check” after receiving no response from the occupants.
Upon arrival, the officers found no signs of forced entry but located an unlocked window through which they entered home. Inside, they discovered the bodies of the two adults in a bathroom with both having gunshot wounds. Additionally, a 9mm pistol and loaded magazine were also found at the scene.
The bodies of the twins were found in a bedroom and while the exact cause of their death is still under investigation, sources close to the investigation told that they might have been smothered, strangled or poisoned as they saw no signs of physical trauma.
The family members relatives earlier suspected that the deaths have been due to carbon monoxide from the heater or air conditioner since the family had complained about nausea and headaches in the past. The police however, failed to find any evidence of malfunctioning appliances or gas leakages in the house.
Court records indicate that Anand had filed for divorce in December 2016, but the proceedings were not finalized. The Police have previously responded to calls from the home though the details of the incidents have not been disclosed. No suicide note was found and investigators are still piecing towards together a motive for the deaths.
Both Anand and Alice were IT professionals and had been living in the United States of America (USA) for the past nine years. Anand worked as a software engineer while Alice held the position of senior analyst. They had shifted from New Jersey two years ago.
The neigbours and colleagues admired the couple and described them as hardworking, friendly and devoted parents. The police officials have not yet determined the motive behind the deaths and are waiting for the results of the forensic analysis and autopsy.
The police have further appealed to the people to come ahead with any information that can help solve the case. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco said that they have been in touch with their family members in India and they have been provided consular assistance and have expressed their condolences to the deceased family along with the Indian-American community.
Last December, an Indian origin couple and their teenage daughter were found dead in their mansion in Massachusetts. Authorities have ascribed the deaths of Rakesh Kamal, 57 his wife Teena, 54 and their eighteen-year-old daughter Ariana to a domestic violence situation.”
