Prosecutor's Office Evaluates Request for Death Penalty Against Suspect in Triple Homicide of Family Members
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
HIDALGO COUNTY, Texas — Gaurav Chopra, 19, pleaded not guilty to all charges he faces in connection with the triple homicide that occurred in June in Alton. Chopra appeared in court on Monday, September 21, after a Hidalgo County grand jury formally indicted him earlier this month. During the hearing, the judge asked the Prosecutor's Office whether they would seek the death penalty in this capital murder case. Prosecutors have not yet made a decision and requested a new hearing to inform the court on how they will proceed. The status hearing is scheduled for October 19 at 9:00 a.m. Three deaths and one survivor Chopra was formally charged on September 8 with capital murder of multiple persons, attempted capital murder, and evading arrest in a vehicle. The charges are related to the deaths of Minder Kaur, Kamlesh Rani, and Sweeta Ram, which occurred on June 16 at a residence in Alton. Authorities have indicated that the victims were the accused's grandmother, mother, and father. Investigators maintain that Chopra also shot at his brother, Sachin Chopra, but the shot did not hit him. The investigation began after the brother called 911 to report the incident. According to authorities, Chopra subsequently left the residence in a vehicle, leading to a police chase that ended in a crash. On July 1, 2026, a judge denied the bail request made by Chopra's defense attorney, so the accused remains in custody without bail for the charge of capital murder of multiple persons. Prosecutors must make a decision Chopra remains detained as the judicial process continues. That decision is expected to be known during the next scheduled hearing on October 19.
AI summary · Source: Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) →
