Indian Tech Family Found Dead in Mysterious Circumstances in the U.S.: Murder-Suicide Suspected

Washington D.C., USA – In a deeply disturbing incident, an Indian tech entrepreneur, his wife, and teenage son were found dead under mysterious circumstances at their residence in Washington, D.C. Authorities are currently investigating the case, with early reports suggesting a possible murder-suicide scenario.

The deceased have been identified as 57-year-old Harshavardhana Kikkeri, CEO of HollowWorld, a robotics company based in Mysuru, India; his 44-year-old wife, Shwetha Panyam, who was also the company’s co-founder; and their 14-year-old son. According to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, the deaths occurred last Thursday night (local time).

A shocking detail emerged that the couple’s younger 7-year-old son was outside the house at the time of the incident and was therefore unharmed.

Bloodstains and Cartridge Found at the Scene

Police responded to a 911 call around 7 p.m. on Thursday and arrived at the family’s townhouse on 129th Place Southeast. Investigators found bloodstains on the window and a spent cartridge near the scene, intensifying suspicions of foul play.

King County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Brandon Hill told The Seattle Times that while the exact cause is yet to be confirmed, investigators are leaning toward a murder-suicide. The family, according to neighbors and authorities, mostly lived in isolation.

About Harshavardhana Kikkeri

Originally from Kikkeri village in Karnataka, Harshavardhana Kikkeri was a tech innovator who pursued his education in Mysuru before completing a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Syracuse University in the U.S. He focused on robotics during his tenure at Microsoft and held 44 international patents. Kikkeri was the recipient of numerous accolades, including the Microsoft Gold Star award and the Infosys Excellence Award. He also received a scholarship from Bharat Petroleum and won several chess tournaments.

Ongoing Investigation

While the possibility of a murder-suicide is under strong consideration, the police have not ruled out other scenarios. Investigators are working to uncover what led to the tragic deaths of a family once considered a symbol of innovation and success in the Indian-American tech community.