NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Newcastle, WA, June 18, 2025: Nearly two months after a tragic murder-suicide shook the community, the surviving son of the family has found a new home and a fresh start under the care of his maternal uncle. On April 24, 2025, Shwetha Panyam, her 14-year-old son Dhruva, and her husband Harshavardhana Kikkeri were found dead in their Newcastle, Washington townhouse. Authorities say Kikkeri, a tech entrepreneur, shot and killed his wife and older son before turning the gun on himself. The couple’s 7-year-old son managed to escape the scene.
Read: Tech Executive Allegedly Shoots Family, Then Dies by Suicide | NRI Pulse
Now, in an update shared through a GoFundMe page, Shwetha’s brother, Akshay Ram Panyam, confirmed that he has been granted legal guardianship of his nephew by King County, Washington, and that the two have relocated to Pennsylvania to begin a new chapter together.
“In the weeks since, we’ve been navigating an overwhelming mix of grief, shock, and uncertainty,” Akshay writes. “I’m glad to share that my younger nephew is safe… He’s resilient beyond words, and deserves every chance to heal, to grow, and to thrive.”
“Right now, I’m in the second year of a PhD program. I love what I do, but I was not financially prepared to become a full-time guardian overnight,” he adds. “While my parents are supporting us in many ways, as Indian citizens, they are only allowed to visit the U.S. for limited stretches of time. They have limited resources, and when they are with us, the costs of their basic needs, visas, healthcare, and travel fall entirely on me. There was no financial safety net left behind either. Right now, every expense—from therapy to after-school programs to simply keeping the lights on—seems to be adding up quickly.”
The GoFundMe campaign outlines the family’s immediate and long-term needs, including rent in a good school district, groceries, utilities, childcare, therapy, after-school programs, and educational enrichment. Donations will also help cover the legal and administrative costs of guardianship and build emergency savings. Should Akshay secure full-time employment during or after his PhD, all remaining funds will be placed in a college fund for his nephew.
The young boy is described as bright and curious, with a budding passion for robotics and STEM.
“I want to give him every opportunity I can. With your kindness and generosity, we can make a meaningful difference in his life—providing comfort, security, and hope as we embark on this new journey together,” his uncle says.
To contribute, visit the GoFundMe page.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text HOME to 741741 for 24/7 free, confidential support.
Cover photo courtesy: Holo World.
