Indian-American motel owner shot dead in Alabama over room rent

A 76-year-old Indian-origin man was murdered after a fight with a customer over room rent in Alabama, United States. The deceased has been identified as Praveen Raojibhai Patel, owner of Hillcrest Motel.

This incident happened in Sheffield last week. According to news portal al.com, Patel was shot dead after a confrontation with a 34-year-old man named William Jeremy Moore.

Moore wanted to rent a room at the motel, but soon began arguing with Patel. Next, Moore pulled out a handgun and shot the elderly man.

Moore was arrested while attempting to break into a nearby abandoned house shortly after the shooting, authorities said.

Sheffield Police Chief Ricky Terry said the murder weapon was found on Moore at the time of his arrest.

One of the witnesses, Jamerise Owens, a barber who works across the street from the hotel, said he heard three consecutive gunshots.

“He (Patel) was out there. He was just trying to convince somebody to leave, and they didn’t want to leave and they shot him,” Owens told WAAY 31 news channel.

The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) condemned the incident, calling it a “senseless act of violence.”

AAHOA President Bharat Patel expressed condolences to Patel’s family and emphasized that such violence has no place in communities.

This tragic incident is not unique to America. Earlier this week, an Indian-American couple and their four-year-old twin children were found dead inside their residence in San Mateo, California. Recently, many such incidents have raised concerns about the safety of Indian people living in America.