A 19-year-old Alton man is being held without bond after authorities accused him of fatally shooting his parents and grandmother inside a home on Roosevelt Avenue.
Gaurav Chopra was arraigned Thursday morning on charges of capital murder of multiple persons and attempted murder. He also faces an evading arrest charge, with bond set at $250,000 on that count.
The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as 56-year-old Sweeta Ram, 46-year-old Kamlesh Rani, and 73-year-old Minder Kaur. Sheriff Eddie Guerra said all three died from gunshot wounds to the head.
During a Thursday press conference, officials confirmed the victims were Chopra’s parents and grandmother. Guerra said Ram, Chopra’s father, was a Palmview business owner known in the community for helping others.
Authorities said Alton police responded Tuesday after a 911 caller reported his brother had shot their family members and fled. Guerra said Chopra also fired at his brother but missed.
Police arrested Chopra after a chase ended in a crash near 4 Mile Line Road and Glasscock Road, hospitalizing two people in the struck vehicle. A handgun was recovered at the crash site.
Guerra did not release a motive. Asked whether Chopra was cooperating, he said the suspect made allegations that were “not accurate.” Police Chief Mark Perez said officers had not previously responded to the home. Guerra identified Chopra as a UTRGV student.
