A man has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of an Indian national in a Dallas, Texas, convenience store. The victim, Dasari Gopikrishna from Andhra Pradesh, succumbed to his injuries on June 22, a day after the incident.
The alleged shooter, 21-year-old Davonta Mathis, has been charged with fatally shooting Gopikrishna multiple times, including in the head. The incident occurred on June 21 when Mathis walked into the store, approached the counter, and shot Gopikrishna before stealing items and fleeing the scene, according to police.
Mathis was originally arrested and charged with robbery, but the charge was upgraded to capital murder because of Gopikrishna’s death. His bond is set at $7.5 million. Sgt. Curtis Phillip of the Mesquite Police described Mathis’ behavior as “very bizarre,” noting the significant impact of his decisions at such a young age.
Mathis is also charged in a separate fatal shooting in Waco city on June 20. He shot Muhammad Hussain, 60, multiple times, who died from injuries at the hospital.
The Indian Consulaye General of India in Texas is finalizing the arrangements to send back the body of Gopikrishna, as mentioned by the officials. Event the representatives from the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) are collaborating with the consulate for the transportation of the body.
The consulate has confirmed that all the police autopsies and necessary formalities have been completed, and they are priortizing the shipment of the body by Tuesday (25).
Gopikrishna’s murder is the second in as many days of a convenience store clerk working the night shift. The incident has deeply affected the Indian community in Dallas and surrounding areas. Gopikrishna is survived by his wife and son.
