Indian student charged in US triple murder case involving family members, say police

A 23-year-old Indian student, Om Brahmbhatt, has been arrested and charged with allegedly murdering his grandparents and uncle inside a New Jersey condominium. Dilipkumar and Bindu Brahmbhatt were found shot to death, and their son, Yashkumar Brahmbhatt, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and later died at the hospital. Om, who recently moved to New Jersey, was taken into custody at the scene and charged with three counts of first-degree murder and second-degree weapon possession.

Om, originally from Gujarat, lived with the victims and was present at the residence when authorities arrived. The crime, committed with a handgun Om claimed to have purchased online, remains unclear in terms of motive. During his court appearance, Om appeared calm and reportedly mentioned, “It might be me” when questioned about the incident. He had called 911 that morning.

The Traditions condo complex, where the incident occurred, had been previously visited by the police for a domestic violence call, according to a neighbor. The apartment complex, housing many Indian immigrant families, is equipped with security cameras that neighbors hope will aid the investigation.

The ongoing investigation, led by the South Plainfield Police Department, suggests that there is no imminent threat to the public, and the incident is not deemed a random act of violence. Residents with information are urged to contact the town police or the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. Om awaits a pre-trial detention hearing at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center.