Naren Prabhu, aged 54, and his wife Raynah Prabhu, aged 53, were tragically killed on May 3, 2017, in their home in Willow Glen, San Jose, California. The couple was allegedly shot by Mirza Tatlic, the ex-boyfriend of their daughter. The incident unfolded when the Prabhus' 20-year-old son called the police around 9 p.m., reporting that his parents had been shot. Upon arrival, officers found Naren Prabhu dead in the front doorway.
The couple's 13-year-old son was also in the house but was later released unharmed by Tatlic during the police standoff.
Mirza Tatlic, a 24-year-old resident of Campbell, had a history of domestic violence and mental illness. He had previously been in a relationship with the Prabhus' daughter, who had an active criminal restraining order against him. Despite police negotiators' efforts to convince Tatlic to surrender, he refused and at one point pointed a handgun at officers. This led Officer Jacob Morris to fire at least one round, killing Tatlic. The police chief described the incident as a tragic event perpetrated by someone with a history of violence and mental health issues.
The case drew significant attention due to the violent nature of the crime and the involvement of law enforcement. The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office, along with the police homicide unit, conducted investigations into the incident. Additionally, the police internal affairs unit, the City Attorney's Office, and the Office of the Independent Police Auditor monitored the case to ensure transparency and accountability in the handling of the situation.
The Prabhus' deaths highlighted the dangers of domestic violence and the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with individuals with mental health issues. The community mourned the loss of Naren and Raynah Prabhu, who were remembered as loving parents and respected members of their community. The incident also underscored the importance of restraining orders and the need for effective measures to protect individuals from violent ex-partners.
