Who was Yogesh Honnala Nagarajappa? Maryland man allegedly shoots wife and son, 6, to death before turning gun on himself
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND: An India-born man allegedly shot down his wife and their son before killing himself. The tragic incident reportedly happened on August 18 in the 1000 block of Kenilworth Drive in Towson.
The names of the deceased have been confirmed as Yogesh Honnala Nagarajappa, Prathiba Y Amarnath – both 37, and six-year-old Yash Honnal.
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said, as per CBS News, “I am heartbroken and deeply saddened for the innocent victims whose lives were cut short by this horrific act.”
County officials added, "We encourage anyone experiencing a mental health crisis to call 988 and talk with trained mental health professionals who can connect those in distress with the resources they need."
What happened to Yogesh Honnala Nagarajappa and his family?
Baltimore County Police Department shared in a statement that the bodies of the couple and their son were discovered on the afternoon of August 18 during a wellness check.
The statement also explained that all of them “appeared to suffer from an apparent gunshot wound. Based on the initial investigation, this incident is believed to be a double murder-suicide that the suspect Yogesh H Nagarajappa committed.”
At approximately 12 p.m., on Friday, August 18, 2023, officers with the Baltimore County Police Department were called to the 1000 block of Kenilworth Dr. for a check on welfare call. Once on scene, officers discovered two adults and one child deceased inside the home. pic.twitter.com/EmMCPlzvWq
— Baltimore County Police Department (@BaltCoPolice) August 19, 2023
37-year-old Prathiba Y. Amarnath, 37-year-old Yogesh H. Nagarajappa, and 6-year-old Yash Honnal each appeared to suffer from an apparent gunshot wound. Based on the initial investigation, this incident is believed to be a double murder suicide that suspect
— Baltimore County Police Department (@BaltCoPolice) August 19, 2023
“The Office of the Chief Medical Officer will complete a thorough examination into the manner and cause of death. Family members were reportedly last seen alive on the evening of Tuesday, August 15, 2023,” Baltimore County Police Department added.
Yogesh H. Nagarajappa committed. The Office of the Chief Medical Officer will complete a thorough examination into the manner and cause of death. Family members were reportedly last seen alive the evening of Tuesday, August 15, 2023.
— Baltimore County Police Department (@BaltCoPolice) August 19, 2023
Yogesh, Pratibha, and their son remembered as the ‘embodiment of a joyous family’
A GoFundMe has been started to bring the remains of Yogesh, Pratibha, and their son back to India. Their relative Soma Sekhar, who launched the fundraiser, wrote, “Yogesh, his cherished wife Pratibha, and their vibrant 6-year-old son Yash were the embodiment of a joyous family.”
Sekhar continued, “Drawn by dreams and hopes for a better life, they chose Towson as their home in the U.S. Tragically, they fell victim to a harrowing incident, their lives ending far too soon.”
“This unforeseen tragedy has left our family in profound grief, yearning to ensure their return to their Indian roots where they truly belong,” the fundraiser shared, before noting, “In this time of distress, we implore your compassionate support to ensure they find peace and respect in their homeland.”
“Regardless of size, every contribution speaks volumes of our shared humanity and the strength of collective compassion. We profoundly appreciate your generosity in helping reunite our dear Yogesh, Pratibha, and Yash with their homeland,” the GoFundMe added.