A California woman was fatally shot on September 8 by a 22-year-old DoorDash worker who had allegedly been stalking her for months after illegally entering the U.S. in 2023. The suspect, identified as Rohit Rohit, an illegal migrant from India, died by suicide shortly after the attack, according to authorities.
Shalini Thakur, 38, was killed outside a Panera Bread in Sacramento. Sacramento County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Amar Gandhi stated that Rohit approached Thakur at her workplace and began to accost her. When Thakur attempted to flee, Rohit pursued her, produced a firearm, and shot her multiple times before firing a fatal shot at close range as she lay on the ground. Sheriff's deputies pursued Rohit's vehicle after he fled the scene and located him deceased from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Homicide detectives learned that Rohit had been harassing and stalking Thakur after meeting her through DoorDash pickups from her workplace. The harassment reportedly began as early as January when Thakur discovered an Apple AirTag planted on her car. Authorities noted that Rohit's behavior escalated, including deflating Thakur's tires and following her to work. He also gained entry to her apartment while she was sleeping, claiming it was a welfare check.
Thakur had obtained a restraining order against Rohit, which he violated in July by leaving groceries at her home. The investigation into Thakur's death is ongoing. Her mother, Kumari Thakur, told KCRA 3 that she was worried after being unable to reach her daughter, with whom she had spoken less than an hour before the shooting.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) attributed the tragedy to the Biden administration's immigration policies, stating that Rohit entered the U.S. via Arizona in August 2023, was arrested by Border Patrol, and subsequently released into the country. A DHS spokesperson asserted that the incident would have been avoided had the administration not released the individual. The DHS urged an end to policies they believe endanger American lives and offered condolences to Thakur's family.
Sources indicated that Rohit had passed background checks for DoorDash employment using a Social Security number. A DoorDash spokesperson expressed condolences and stated the company is fully cooperating with the investigation, emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy for violence and harassment.