SACRAMENTO — A months-long pattern of alleged stalking and harassment ended in tragedy Tuesday when 38-year-old Shalini Thakur of Sacramento was shot and killed on Howe Avenue, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.Deputies responded to reports of a shooting shortly before 3 p.m. near the Panera Bread on Howe Avenue. When they arrived, they found Thakur dead at the scene. The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office later identified her as the victim.The suspect was identified as 22-year-old Rohit Rohit.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the suspect vehicle was entered into the FLOCK license-plate recognition system and located minutes later near Highway 50 and Howe Avenue.Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, and authorities said the driver immediately slammed on the brakes and stopped.Deputies attempted to get the driver out of the vehicle before discovering that he had died from what authorities described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.Investigators say Rohit had arrived at the Howe Avenue shopping center shortly before Thakur was dropped off at her vehicle.
Authorities allege that Rohit approached Thakur and began harassing her. When she tried to run away, investigators say he chased her, pulled out a firearm and shot her multiple times.The Sheriff’s Office further alleged that after Thakur fell to the ground, Rohit shot her in the head at close range.Investigators said the alleged harassment and stalking had been occurring since at least January.According to authorities, Thakur had discovered an Apple AirTag underneath the hood of her vehicle. Investigators also said Rohit had allegedly deflated air from her vehicle and followed her to work, where he offered to help her.
The Sheriff’s Office also alleged that Rohit obtained a copy of Thakur’s apartment key and entered her home while she was sleeping.Authorities said Rohit later claimed that he had entered the apartment because he was concerned something had happened to Thakur when she did not answer.The Sheriff’s Office said Rohit and Thakur had known each other for approximately two years, although their relationship may have been limited to knowing each other through work.Authorities said Thakur initially declined to pursue criminal charges or obtain a restraining order.Deputies and detectives nevertheless remained concerned about her safety and continued to stay in contact with her, according to the Sheriff’s Office.In May, deputies reportedly encouraged Thakur to obtain a restraining order. She subsequently did so.
But on July 29, Thakur reported an alleged violation of the order after Rohit reportedly left random grocery items at her front door.Weeks later, the case ended in a deadly shooting.The Sheriff’s Office said the immediate events leading up to Tuesday’s killing remain under investigation.Detectives are continuing to examine the relationship between Rohit and Thakur, the reported restraining-order violation and the circumstances that led to the fatal confrontation.The case has also raised renewed concerns about the dangers associated with stalking and harassment and the challenges victims can face when threatening behavior escalates.Anyone with information that could assist investigators is urged to contact the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 916-874-5115.
The investigation remains ongoing.