Two Malayali women killed in California; friend allegedly held in custody
Two Malayali women were killed in California, allegedly by another Malayali woman who was known to them and lived in the same apartment complex, according to their relatives. San Jose police have reportedly taken the suspect into custody, and an investigation is underway.
The victims were identified as 35-year-old Anjana, from Mudikkode near Mannuthy in Thrissur, and 40-year-old Ann Mary Mathew, a native of Kesavadasapuram in Thiruvananthapuram. The families of both women have alleged that their friend, identified as Anila, was responsible for the killings.
According to Jerry Sam Joseph, a neighbour and family friend of Ann Mary, her family received information that she had an issue with the suspect over a job-related matter. However, Anjana’s cousin Vinod said her family had not received any information about the motive.
Jerry said the suspect allegedly entered Ann Mary’s residence and stabbed her. Information received by Anjana’s relatives indicated that Anjana was allegedly knocked down by a car driven by Anila.
The killings reportedly occurred around noon on Friday, US time. Anjana’s family in Kerala was informed on Saturday, according to relatives.
Ann Mary had been living in the United States for about 10 years and was working as an engineer, according to neighbours. She was married to Pallathra Jacob, a native of Chingavanam in Kottayam, who is also in the US.
Anjana had reportedly been working as a teacher in California for nearly six years. Her husband, Vijeesh, a native of Vilangannoor near Peechi, is also employed in the US. Anjana’s father-in-law, Vijayan Vilangannur, said Vijeesh was deeply distressed by the incident and was unable to speak to him.
Thrissur Collector Sikha Surendran said she had asked Anjana’s family to provide details of the incident so they could be forwarded to the NORKA secretary. The secretary would then approach the Ministry of External Affairs for assistance in bringing Anjana’s body back to Kerala, according to Indian media reports.
Meanwhile, Ann Mary’s relatives said they were awaiting further information from US authorities and that arrangements were being made to bring her body back to Thiruvananthapuram.
The circumstances and motive behind the killings remain under investigation.
