California woman killed after months of stalking, suspect dies by self-inflicted gunshot

Shalini Thakur, 38, was shot multiple times outside a Panera Bread restaurant in Sacramento on Sept. 8 and died at the scene, authorities said. The shooter, 22-year-old Rohit Rohit, approached her moments before the attack, fired several rounds as she fled, and then shot her in the head. Deputies located Rohit’s vehicle using the Flock system, stopped the car and later found Rohit dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Investigators said Rohit had been stalking Thakur since January, including placing an Apple AirTag under her car’s hood and deflating her tires before offering to help. He also entered her apartment while she slept and later left grocery items at her door, actions that led to a restraining order in May and a reported violation on July 29.

Thakur’s mother, Sudesh Kumari, told local media that her daughter had repeatedly reported Rohit to police but felt no action was taken. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office noted that Thakur initially declined to pursue charges or obtain a restraining order.

Immigration officials confirmed Rohit entered the United States illegally from India in 2023 and was released after a brief detention. An immigration attorney explained that individuals arriving from distant countries are often released pending court proceedings.

A DoorDash spokesperson said Rohit had signed up for the platform using a Social Security number, completed background checks, but had not worked for the company in more than six weeks. The spokesperson expressed sympathy for Thakur’s family and said DoorDash is cooperating with the sheriff’s investigation.

Video released by the sheriff’s office shows a blurry scene of a male figure with an outstretched hand as another person runs past, followed by the shooter standing over the victim with a gun. Thakur’s funeral was held on Monday with only her mother and uncle in attendance.