Vadodara: A 36-year-old man, Mainank Patel, originally hailing from Vadodara and settled in America, was killed by a minor in Salisbury City, North Carolina, in a shooting on August 13th. Mainank had been living in America for 18 years and was employed as a manager at a gas station store. His last rites will be performed in America today at 11:30 pm Indian time.

Arohi Patel, the sister of the deceased, who lives in Vadodara, said, “My brother Mainank studied in Vadodara from 1st to 12th grade. For further studies, he went to America in 2007, studied computer science there, and then settled down. On August 13, a minor shot him. At that time, my sister-in-law was outside the gas station store. She ran inside after hearing the gunshot. My brother was immediately taken to the hospital, where he died.”

She further mentioned that Mainank’s last visit to Vadodara was in February 2024 for a wedding function. This visit turned out to be his last. After Mainank moved to America, his parents, Ashaben and Nileshbhai, also received green cards and joined him six months ago. During the shooting, his wife, Amiben, originally from Charotar, ran to save him, but unfortunately, Mainank could not survive. He and his wife also had a son.

As per the details of the incident, on the morning of August 13, at 11:15 am local time, a masked gunman entered the store and fired at Mainank before fleeing the scene. Mainank was seriously injured due to multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. He was then transferred to another hospital for further care, but despite efforts, Mainank succumbed to his injuries.

The local police had instructed Mainank to keep a gun for protection, so he had one at the store. When the minor, intent on robbing the store, took out his gun, Mainank also drew his gun, but the minor fired first, fatally wounding him. Local Rowan County police reviewed CCTV footage from in and around the store, which showed a white masked man dressed in black fleeing the scene. The police identified and arrested the suspect at 8:30 pm on the same day as the shooting. DeshGujarat