Indian-origin Sikh dies after being shot at in Ohio
A 32-year-old Indian-origin Sikh truck driver, who was shot on May 21 in Ohio, has succumbed to his injuries, with prosecutors saying they will seek a murder charge against 20-year-old accused Broderick Malik Jones Roberts. Roberts has been indicted for aggravated robbery, felonious assault and possessing weapons under disability for allegedly firing at Jaspreet Singh. Singh suffered gunshot wounds in his upper torso.
According to court documents, Roberts allegedly shot Singh "while he sat in his vehicle". The police report said Roberts' attorney David Washington entered a not guilty plea on his client's behalf but acknowledged a murder-indictment is expected. Roberts has a criminal history and was sent to prison in 2016 after pleading guilty to trespass, unlawful restraint and assault, according to Butler County court records.
Singh, who was an active member of the Guru Nanak Society, had been living in the US for 8-years. Manjinder Singh, his friend, said the victim was a devoted father and husband, leaving behind four young children. "It's just senseless," said Manjinder, adding that "there is no way he would have engaged in any type of wrong activity. He would have just walked away".
Advocacy group The Sikh Coalition's legal team continues to monitor the case. "Our prayers remain with his family during this very difficult time," it said in a Facebook post. Judge Jennifer McElfresh has set a bond of $1mn, substantially increasing it from the initial amount of $1,25,000 in Hamilton Municipal Court. Roberts is scheduled to be back in court on May 31.
