Who killed Praveen Varughese? 'Dateline NBC' uncovers fatal car ride that changed the lives of two Illinois teenagers
CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS: In February 2014, a tragic incident shook the community surrounding Southern Illinois University when Pravin Varughese, a young Indian-American student was killed by Gage Bethune.
It all began when Pravin went missing after attending an off-campus party. What initially appeared as a perplexing disappearance soon evolved into a harrowing ordeal for his family and friends as they embarked on a relentless quest for answers.
Despite authorities initially attributing Pravin's death to accidental causes, his family's unwavering determination and refusal to accept the official narrative propelled them into a years-long battle for justice.
As the investigation progressed, inconsistencies began to surface, casting doubt on the initial conclusions and prompting Lovely Varughese, Pravin's devoted mother, to relentlessly push for a comprehensive re-examination of the circumstances surrounding her son's tragic death.
Alongside her, local figures such as Monica Zukas, a radio personality, also found themselves drawn to the case, compelled by its unsettling nature and the glaring gaps in the investigation.
What started as a quest for closure gradually transformed into a joint endeavor involving Pravin's close circle and engaged community members. Their bond was forged by a common indignation and an earnest quest for truth. Together, they steadfastly journeyed through the intricacies of the legal process, encountering hurdles and setbacks but never losing their resolve.
However, amid the challenges and frustrations, their determination never wavered. For nearly four years, they tirelessly pursued leads, questioned witnesses, and challenged official accounts, driven by their unwavering commitment to seeking justice for Pravin.
'Dateline NBC' Season 32 revisits this case on Sunday, April 28 at 10 pm, as Dennis Murphy interviews Lovely Varughese, Penny Bethune, Michael Wepsiec and Steve Greenberg in the episode.
Who was Pravin Varughese?
Pravin Varughese, a bright student at Southern Illinois University (SIU), met a tragic end in 2014. Born and raised in Morton Grove, Illinois, Pravin was a vibrant and ambitious individual with a passion for life and a bright future ahead of him.
At SIU, Pravin, a sophomore, ardently pursued his aspirations for a career in law enforcement. Renowned as a committed student, he sought to enact positive change within his community. Beyond his academic pursuit, Pravin was known for his warm personality, his love for his family, and his zest for life.
However, Pravin's promising journey took a devastating turn when he went missing after attending an off-campus party on February 12, 2014. Despite efforts to locate him, including a missing persons report filed by his cousin, Pravin was found dead in a wooded area days later. His untimely death sent shockwaves through his community and left his loved ones grappling with grief and disbelief.
Pravin's family, particularly his mother Lovely Varughese, refused to accept the initial ruling of his death as a tragic accident. Instead, they tirelessly pursued justice, advocating for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding Pravin's death. Their unwavering determination led to the reopening of the case and eventually the arrest and trial of the individual suspected of involvement in Pravin's death.
When did the police find Pravin Varughese’s body?
Pravin Varughese's body was discovered on February 18, 2014, after he had been missing for nearly a week. Despite exhaustive search endeavors, involving the mobilization of search teams and widespread community engagement, Pravin's body was located in a wooded expanse in Carbondale, Illinois. Search teams painstakingly combed through the thick foliage to make the grim discovery.
Upon the recovery of Pravin's body, authorities initially attributed his death to environmental hypothermia, commonly known as frostbite, exacerbated by the cold weather conditions. However, this ruling was met with skepticism by Pravin's family, who believed there was more to his death than what was initially determined.
Despite the findings of the autopsy, Pravin's family refused to accept the conclusion that his death was solely the result of exposure to the elements. They pressed for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding Pravin's disappearance and death, advocating for a more thorough examination of the evidence.
Who was Monica Zukas?
Monica Zukas, a local radio personality, became deeply intrigued by the case surrounding Pravin Varughese's disappearance and death. As she delved into the details of the case, she found it unsettling and felt compelled to raise awareness about it through her radio show.
Through her platform, Monica initiated discussions with her listeners about the case, aiming to gather information and perspectives that could illuminate the perplexing circumstances surrounding Pravin's fate. It was during this period that she crossed paths with Lovely Varughese, Pravin's mother, who shared a mutual sense of grief and resolve to unveil the truth behind her son's death.
Both Monica and Lovely had experienced the devastating loss of their children in unforeseen incidents, and this shared connection fueled their collaboration in the investigation. They devoted themselves to seeking justice for Pravin, conducting their inquiries, and tirelessly advocating for a thorough examination of the case. For almost four years, Monica and Lovely immersed themselves in the investigation, following leads and pursuing every avenue in their quest for answers.
Their partnership proved pivotal in ensuring that Pravin's case remained in the public spotlight and in sustaining pressure on authorities to pursue justice. Their unwavering determination eventually yielded results when they unearthed new evidence implicating a suspect: Gaege Bethune. This discovery marked a turning point in the investigation, bringing renewed hope to Monica, Lovely, and Pravin's loved ones that justice might finally be served.
Why did Gaege Bethune kill Praveen Varughese?
The exact motive behind Gaege Bethune's actions leading to Pravin Varughese's death remains unclear. During the investigation and subsequent trial, various theories and explanations were put forward, but a definitive motive was never established beyond reasonable doubt.
According to Bethune's account, on the night of February 12, 2014, he gave Pravin a ride after a party, during which the two reportedly got into a physical altercation. The altercation between Gaege Bethune and Pravin Varughese stemmed from a combination of money and drugs, specifically cocaine. While driving around, Pravin was allegedly seeking to buy cocaine, which led to a confrontation between the two young men.
During the altercation, tensions escalated, and Bethune admitted to hitting Pravin. The conflict likely revolved around a dispute over money or a transaction involving drugs. As the situation intensified, Praveen fled into the nearby woods, seeking to escape the confrontation.
The prosecution argued that the altercation between Bethune and Pravin escalated, leading to Pravin sustaining fatal injuries. Ultimately, the jury found Bethune guilty of first-degree murder based on the evidence presented during the trial.
However, the conviction was later overturned due to a technical error in the charging document, leading to Bethune's release. Despite extensive investigations and legal proceedings, the true motive behind Pravin Varughese's death remains a subject of speculation and uncertainty.
Gaege Bethune gets life imprisonment for killing Praveen Varughese
The trial of Gaege Bethune lasted for two weeks, during which a 12-person jury found him guilty of the charges against him. The charges likely included first-degree murder, which carries a mandatory sentencing range of 20 to 60 years in prison, depending on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances of the case.
'Dateline NBC' Season 32 airs new episodes every Friday at 8 pm ET on NBC and is available for streaming on Peacock the following day.