Tara Sinchuri, the owner of a jewelry shop on Dixie Highway in Fairfield, Ohio, was shot dead inside his store on Tuesday, police say. The incident, which unfolded in broad daylight, is believed to have been a robbery attempt, but the motive remains unclear.
Neighbors and fellow business owners report that the shooting has rattled the local immigrant community. Tara Dahal, a friend of Sinchuri from Nepal, told WCPO 9 News that shopkeepers in the area now feel unsafe.
The family held a vigil outside the store on Friday, with Sinchuri's nephew Anish Sinchuri speaking about his uncle's generosity. A GoFundMe page was launched to cover funeral costs and other expenses.
Sinchuri, who immigrated to the United States in 2009, had been active in community and religious nonprofits and was a respected philanthropist. He had a wife, a son and two daughters, and was known for his public speaking.
Police say they are investigating the robbery and have not yet identified a suspect. The case remains unsolved, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.