Indian-Origin Motel Manager in the US Shot Dead After Hearing Gunfire During Dispute

Pittsburgh, USA :
A 50-year-old motel manager of Indian origin from Gujarat was shot dead in Pennsylvania on Friday after reportedly hearing gunshots during a violent altercation outside his motel. Police later apprehended the suspect following an exchange of gunfire.

The victim, Rakesh Patel, originally from Rayam village in Bardoli taluka, Surat district, had been living in Pennsylvania for several years with his wife and three daughters. Patel co-owned and managed the motel where the incident occurred.

Family in Mourning

In his native village, relatives and friends gathered on Monday to pay tribute. Patel’s family home in Rayam remains closed, as all immediate family members are currently in the United States. Mourners assembled at the home of his brother-in-law, Jitendra Patel, in Singod village, where they offered flowers and garlands to Rakesh’s photograph in a small memorial service.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Jitendra Patel, 55, recounted the family’s history:

“Rakesh went to the US with his mother, Lalitaben Patel, when he was just four years old. He grew up and studied there. In 2001, he married my sister, Hemuben, in Bardoli, and she joined him in the US the following year. They have three daughters—Karishma (19), Angana (13), and Kruti (9).”

Jitendra added that Karishma suffered a severe car accident in 2013 and underwent around 18 surgeries, leaving her left arm disabled. Angana also faces ongoing medical challenges with her kidneys and lungs, requiring continuous treatment. The youngest, Kruti, is physically healthy. Both Rakesh and Hemuben worked together at the motel.

Recent Visits to India

According to Jitendra, the Patels frequently visited India.

“Rakesh and his family came last December to attend the wedding of his elder sister Jyotiben’s son in Rayam village. They stayed for about a month before returning to the US. Again, they visited during the Raksha Bandhan festival a couple of months ago because my mother, Kusumben, was seriously ill. They stayed for fifteen days before leaving again,” he said.

Recalling the moment he learned of the tragedy, Jitendra shared,

“My sister called me on October 3 at around 10:45 p.m., crying uncontrollably. She told me what had happened. She was at the motel when the incident took place. We were all shocked. I have only one sister—it’s unbearable for us.”

The Shooting

According to police reports, Rakesh Patel was inside the motel when he heard gunshots following a heated argument between a couple in the parking lot. When Patel stepped outside to check, the suspect approached him and shot him, killing him instantly.

Patel’s wife, Hemuben, immediately alerted Robinson Township Police. Investigators reviewed CCTV footage and identified the shooter as Stanley West, aged 37 (some reports say 38). West allegedly shot his female companion during the argument before turning his weapon on Patel.

Authorities tracked the suspect to Pittsburgh’s East Hills neighborhood. When officers confronted him, West reportedly exited his vehicle and opened fire. The police returned fire using their service weapons, injuring the suspect. He was subdued, taken into custody, and hospitalized for treatment.

Community Reaction

News of Patel’s death has deeply saddened the Indian community in Pennsylvania and his native Gujarat. Friends and relatives describe him as a hardworking, kind, and helpful man who was deeply committed to his family and business.

Local authorities continue to investigate the incident, including the events that led to the initial altercation in the motel parking lot.

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