Merced Murders: GoFundMe launched for relatives of Sikh family butchered by kidnapper
MERCED, CALIFORNIA: Relatives of an Indian Sikh family who were kidnapped and then murdered in California, have initiated a GoFundMe to support themselves. On October 3, 2022, Jasdeep Singh, 36, his 27-year-old wife Jasleen Kaur, their eight-month-old daughter Aroohi Dheri along with another relative Amandeep Singh, 39, were reportedly kidnapped by Jesus Manuel Salgado from a business.
Two days later, their remains were discovered by police in a field. Now, the disheartened relatives of the four killed people have spoken up through the fundraiser. “This is the story of our shared American dream gone wrong; our loving family was violently taken away from us on October 3rd. A criminal kidnapped and murdered our beautiful 8-month-old baby Aroohi, her mother Jasleen, her father Jasdeep (JB), and her uncle Amandeep (Aman),” a message on the campaign read.
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It further read, “As immigrants to America, they worked tirelessly for 18 years to achieve safety, security, and community for themselves and their families. Aman and Jasdeep were the primary bread earners for the family, supported their elderly parents, and lived under one roof,” before noting, “They are survived by Aroohi’s grandparents, Randhir Singh and Kirpal Kaur, Aman’s wife, Jaspreet Kaur (Jass) their children Ekam (6 years) and Seerat (9 years). Jass is now a single mother taking care of two bright children who are left without their father and cannot fathom why their dad will not return.”
At the time of the writing, GoFundMe has raised $326,862 of its $500,000 goal and received several tributary messages. A person wrote below the fundraiser, “My deepest sympathy to your family. May the outpouring of love and support from the community help sustain you. There are no words for such an heinous act that shocks all of us. May love overcome evil.”
Another person said, “Rest in Peace. We can't stop thinking about Aroohi and the whole family. It's tough to muster up words but we're praying for the family and hope the community coming together will provide some strength going forward for the survivors. Waheguru.”
“So tragic. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the little baby. I hope your family gets the strength to overcome this tragedy. Sending you lots of thoughts and prayers,” the third person shared. “I remember seeing the wife and her baby in my store in Walgreens last Sunday. I told her to have a great day. I'm so sorry for your loss and I am devastated that was the last time I had seen them/met them. I had also seen the uncle a couple of times too. Your family was always so well dressed and polite. I'm so so sorry. Sending lots of love and support,” the fourth one stated.
Meanwhile, reports have said that along with the main accused Jesus, his brother Alberto has also been arrested. A Facebook statement by Merced County Sheriff's Office read, “The Merced County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the California Department of Justice, arrested and booked Alberto Salgado into the Merced County Jail. Alberto Salgado is the brother of Jesus Manuel Salgado who is suspected of kidnapping and murdering Aroohi Dheri, Jasleen Kaur, Jasdeep Singh, and Amandeep Singh. Alberto Salgado was arrested for criminal conspiracy, accessory, and destroying evidence.”