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Newcastle Indian-origin family murder-suicide: Surviving son begins new life
A fundraising campaign has been launched to help cover costs over the next few years for the child.
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Staff Reporter - Wed, 18, Jun 2025
- 14:56 EDT
- 15
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Shwetha Panyam and Harshavardhana Kikkeri / HoloWorld
The sole surviving child from the Indian-origin family involved in a suspected murder-suicide in Newcastle, Washington, has begun a new life in Pennsylvania with his maternal uncle, who was recently granted legal guardianship by King County authorities.
On April 24, 44-year-old Harshavardhana Kikkeri, 41-year-old Shwetha Panyam, and their 14-year-old son Dhruva were found dead in their Newcastle townhouse. According to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, Dhruva and Shwetha died from gunshot wounds and were victims of homicide. Harshavardhana, the founder and CEO of tech startup HoloWorld, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, with his death ruled a suicide.
Also Read: Newcastle Indian-origin family dead in suspected murder-suicide
In the aftermath, the couple’s younger son, who was unharmed, has been placed in the custody of his uncle, a second-year doctoral student. The two have relocated to Pennsylvania, where they are beginning to rebuild their lives.
With no financial support left behind and limited assistance available from his visiting parents, who are Indian citizens, the guardian says he is facing mounting expenses. These include basic living costs, therapy, childcare, legal fees, and education-related expenses.
“I was not financially prepared to become a full-time guardian overnight,” he said, noting that his focus is on ensuring stability, mental health care, and access to educational enrichment for his nephew.
A fundraising campaign has been launched to help cover costs over the next few years. The guardian said any surplus funds, if he secures full-time employment during or after his doctoral program, would be directed toward a college savings fund for the child.
“My nephew is incredibly bright and curious, showing an early interest in robotics and STEM subjects,” the uncle wrote in a public appeal for support. “He’s resilient beyond words and deserves every chance to heal, grow, and thrive.”
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