A quiet Saturday evening in a Richmond Hill, Queens home turned into a scene of unimaginable horror in what police have described as a tragic murder-suicide. Vipanpal Multani, a 27-year-old man, was fatally shot multiple times by his older brother, 33-year-old Karamjit Multani. The brothers were of Indian descent. The violent outburst, which also left their 52-year-old mother wounded, was the culmination of simmering family tensions, according to police.
The tragic events unfolded on the
night of June 8th, after a family dinner. An argument reportedly erupted, after which Vipanpal went to his room. Shortly after, Karamjit burst into his younger brother's room and opened fire, shooting him nine times. In a desperate attempt to shield her younger son, their mother was also shot in the torso but survived her injuries. Following the shooting, Karamjit fled the family home. His body was later found about a mile away with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A firearm was recovered near his body.
Investigators believe the motive behind the horrific act stemmed from a failed business venture and feelings of jealousy. The brothers' father, a successful deli owner, had given both his sons a significant amount of money to start their own businesses. Vipanpal's business in Valley Stream, Long Island, was reportedly successful, while Karamjit's venture in Indiana failed, forcing him to move back home. This disparity allegedly led to 'snide comments' and tension within the family, with Karamjit feeling like a failure. On the day of the shooting, Karamjit had sent his wife and three young children to Indiana. He also sent a long text message to his wife detailing the abuse he felt he had suffered from his father and younger brother.
The shocking events have left the family and the local South Asian community in disbelief. The brothers' father expressed his shock, stating that while there were minor disagreements, there were no major problems between his sons. A neighbor who rushed to the scene after being alerted by the father found Vipanpal wounded and pleading for his life, saying, 'Please, don't let me die,' before succumbing to his injuries in the neighbor's arms. As the perpetrator is deceased, there will be no arrests or trial in this case. The investigation remains ongoing.
