Police identifies Akhil’s killer, releases picture

Houston Police on Friday released picture of alleged killer of Akhil Chopra, the young Indian computer professional, who was brutally murdered at point blank range in a broad daylight robbery attempt on August 11.

The murderer, police said, has been identified Howard Dale Bellamy, aka “Peanut”. The picture reveals that Bellamy in early 20s is of American-African descent.

Police said, Bellamy aka “Peanut,” has been charged with capital murder in robbery and killing of Akhil, 28. It said, a man who was caught using Akhil’s credit cards identified Bellamy as his killer. Police did not divulge further details and hoped that the murderer would soon be arrested.

He is still on loose, police said and urged the residents of Houston to inform the police if they happen to see him. Police also increased the award announced for those giving vital clues leading to killer’s arrest from $5,000 (more than Rs 2 lakhs) to $10,000 (over Rs 4 lakhs).

So far the police has ruled out the possibility of any hate crime. Initial investigations has revealed that robbery was the primary motive for the murder of Akhil at a Houston park mid-noon, where he had gone to meditate after having lunch at his nearby office of Star Pipe Product.

Investigator Robert Torris incharge of the investigations, said Akhil was found dead in a park of an apparent gunshot wound to the left temple. His wallet was missing which leads to believe that robbery was a possible motive for this murder, he said.

According to Vijay Pallod, Akhil’s friend, said he was cremated on the banks of Ganges in Haridwar on Friday (August 19). All the family members were present during the last rituals, he said. Akhil’s parents are from Ahmedabad.

An active community leader in Houston, Akhil was popular among the Indian community more for his weekly radio news bulletin on a local radio.

Pallod said the Akhil Chopra Memorial Fund has swelled by more than $40,000 (nearly Rs 18 lakhs) within a week. The memorial fund was established by his friends, after his brutal murder on August 11. “It would be used for the causes, which were dear to Akhil,” he said.