BY VEENA RAO
Alton, TX, June 20, 2026 — Nineteen-year-old Gaurav Chopra is accused of killing his father, Sweeta Ram, 56, his mother, Kamlesh Rani, 46, and his grandmother, Minder Kaur, 73, in a triple homicide that has shocked the South Texas community of Alton. Authorities say he also attempted to kill his brother, who survived and called 911.
At a June 18 press conference, Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra outlined the events surrounding the June 16 killings in the Tuscany Village subdivision in Alton, describing the case as a triple homicide and an ongoing investigation.
According to Guerra, officers with the Alton Police Department responded to a 911 call at approximately 9:13 p.m. on June 16 regarding a domestic disturbance at a residence in the 3700 block of Roosevelt Avenue.
“The caller reported that his brother, identified as Gaurav Chopra, had killed his family and had just left the residence driving a white Lexus,” Guerra said.
As officers approached the gated subdivision, they encountered the Lexus and attempted a traffic stop. Authorities said Chopra failed to stop, leading officers on a pursuit.
The chase ended at the intersection of Four Mile Line Road and Glasscock Road when the Lexus crashed into two other vehicles. Chopra was taken into custody at the scene.
Meanwhile, officers arriving at the residence discovered a gruesome scene on the second floor of the home.
Two victims, identified as Kamlesh Rani and Minder Kaur, were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds. A third victim, identified as Sweeta Ram, was found alive but critically injured.
“He was still alive when officers arrived, and first aid was immediately administered,” Guerra said. Ram was transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment but later died from his injuries.
The Alton Police Department subsequently requested assistance from the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit, which assumed responsibility for the homicide investigation.
Investigators interviewed the surviving brother, who had placed the 911 call. According to authorities, evidence gathered during the investigation led detectives to conclude that Chopra shot his father, mother, and grandmother inside the residence.
“Investigators also concluded that the suspect attempted to kill his brother but missed when he fired one shot at him,” Guerra said.
Detectives recovered a 9mm handgun from inside the white Lexus. Investigators believe the weapon was used in the shootings.
Autopsies conducted by the Hidalgo County Forensic Center determined that all three victims died from gunshot wounds to the head. The deaths were ruled homicides.
Guerra said investigators also collected surveillance footage that corroborated witness statements and documented Chopra’s actions as he left the residence.
Chopra has been charged with Capital Murder of Multiple Persons, a capital felony under Texas law, and Attempted Capital Murder, a first-degree felony, in connection with the alleged attempt on his brother’s life.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive.
Asked during the press conference whether investigators believed drugs played a role in the killings, Guerra responded, “We do not believe so.”
When questioned about a possible motive, he said investigators were continuing to explore all possibilities but declined to speculate.
“At this time, the investigation is ongoing. I’m not going to speculate on a motive, but investigators are looking into a possible motive,” he said.
Guerra also confirmed that Chopra is being held without bond on both the capital murder and attempted capital murder charges. In addition, Alton police have charged him with evading arrest after the pursuit. A bond of $250,000 was set on that charge.
The pursuit that ended with Chopra’s arrest also left two members of the public involved in the crash. According to Guerra, one person was transported to a hospital but has since been released.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is assisting with the reconstruction of the traffic crash that occurred during the pursuit.
Authorities have not released further details about what may have led to the killings. The investigation remains active.
