NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Sacramento, CA, September 11, 2026: A 38-year-old California woman identified by a family fundraiser as Shalini Thakur was fatally shot outside a shopping center in Sacramento County on Tuesday, September 8, after months of alleged harassment and stalking by a 22-year-old man, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspected gunman, identified by authorities as Rohit Rohit, was found dead inside his vehicle a short time later from what investigators described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The shooting occurred shortly before 3 p.m. near the Panera on Howe Avenue. Witnesses reported seeing a shooting, and responding deputies found the woman at the scene. She was pronounced dead there.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, witnesses provided a description of the suspect’s vehicle, which was entered into the FLOCK license-plate camera system. Deputies quickly located the vehicle near Highway 50 and Howe Avenue.
When deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver slammed on the brakes and came to a stop, authorities said. After attempting for some time to get the driver to exit, deputies discovered Rohit dead inside.
Investigators said the killing followed a disturbing pattern of alleged stalking and harassment that had been going on since at least January.
In one incident, according to the Sheriff’s Office, Rohit allegedly let air out of one of the victim’s tires and then followed her to work so he could offer her assistance. In another, investigators said he obtained a copy of her apartment key and entered her home while she was sleeping, later claiming he had gone inside because he was worried when she did not answer.
The victim initially declined to pursue charges or seek a restraining order, according to authorities. Deputies and detectives, however, remained concerned about her safety and continued communicating with her over the following months.
In May, deputies again urged her to obtain a restraining order, which she eventually did. On July 29, she reported an alleged violation of that order after Rohit left random grocery items at her front door, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Investigators are still working to determine what happened immediately before Tuesday’s shooting.
Detectives said Rohit arrived at the Howe Avenue shopping center shortly before 3 p.m. Shalini was dropped off at her vehicle, which was already parked there. Authorities said Rohit approached her and began accosting her.
As she attempted to flee, investigators said, he chased her, pulled out a firearm and shot her multiple times. After she fell to the ground, Rohit allegedly walked over to her and fired a close-range shot to her head, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
A GoFundMe organized to support Shalini’s family described her as a “caring, loving, selfless, and generous young woman” who was always willing to help others.
“Her kindness left a lasting impact on so many lives,” the fundraiser said, adding that her sudden death has left family members, friends, coworkers and the wider community grieving.
Funds raised are intended to help the family with funeral and memorial expenses, time away from work and other immediate needs.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office said the homicide investigation remains ongoing and asked anyone with information to contact its non-emergency line at 916-874-5115.
