NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Fairfield, OH, October 23, 2026: A 52-year-old former Bhutanese refugee who rebuilt his life in the United States was shot and killed during an apparent robbery at his jewelry store in Fairfield, Butler County, Ohio, on Tuesday, October 20.
The victim, identified as Tara Sinchuri, owned Everest Jewels & Clothing at 6679 Dixie Highway. Fairfield police responded to reports of gunfire around 12:54 p.m. and found Sinchuri dead inside the store.
No arrests had been announced as of October 23, and investigators were working to identify the person responsible.
Sinchuri’s death brought a tragic end to a long immigrant journey that began in Bhutan, where his family lived before being forced to leave the country. They spent years as refugees in Nepal before Sinchuri moved to the United States in 2012 with his wife and children, according to his older brother, Bal Sinchuri.
The family initially settled in Buffalo, New York, before moving to Kansas, where Sinchuri opened a jewelry business. He later relocated to Fairfield, where he continued building his business and became an active member of the local Hindu community.
Speaking to The Cincinnati Enquirer, Bal Sinchuri remembered his younger brother as a kindhearted and generous man who helped others in need.
Sinchuri is survived by his wife, Puspa Sinchuri, their three children and extended family members.
The shooting also endangered employees at a neighboring business. Andy Pfizenmayer, who works next door, told local television reporters that he heard gunshots and instructed his employees to get down. A bullet reportedly passed through the wall separating the two businesses and entered his office. No one at the neighboring business was injured.
Sinchuri’s nephew, Prakash Kalikot, described his uncle as a respected community leader who had helped many people. The killing came during a period of Hindu festival celebrations, making the loss especially painful for the family.
Fairfield police have been reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses as part of their investigation.
On October 22, FOX19 reported that the FBI had contacted Fairfield police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to offer assistance.
Fairfield Police Chief Steve Maynard declined to release further details about the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed how much merchandise, if any, was stolen or whether Sinchuri’s store was specifically targeted. No motive beyond the suspected robbery has been established.
Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact Fairfield Police Sgt. Bryan Carnes at 513-867-6005.
Cover photo credit: Tara Sinchuri/Facebook.
