(Image source from: cbsnews.com)
A United States Navy veteran pleaded guilty to hate crime and firearm charges on Monday who is serving life in prison for killing Indian-origin engineer, Srinivas Kuchibhotla and injuring two others at Austin Bar & Grill in February 2017.
Adam Purinton, in pleading guilty to the hate crime admitted that he shot Kuchibotla and Alok Madasani, because of their race, color, religion and national origin.
The shooting last year led to a nationwide mobilization of Indians and Indian-Americans speaking out against the crime and raised money for the affected families.
Ian Grillot, was one of the victim who survived with severe wounds has received bravery award by Indian government in trying to intercede in the attack. As well as local community of Kansas and Kansas elected officials came out in support of the Indians and Indian-Americans.
Kuchibotla’s wife Sunayana Dumala was given special aid regarding her visa status when she came to U.S.
Purinton is already serving imprisonment on a murder charge. The sentencing is scheduled for July 2 which he may face maximum sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole by the request of both prosecution and defense jointly.
"Hate crimes are acts of evil, and the Department of Justice has prioritized their zealous prosecution. In this case, Adam Purinton embarked on a murderous rampage with clear premeditation to kill on the basis of race, color, religion, and national origin," said Jesse Panuccio, Acting Associate Attorney General.
He further said, "It was a hate crime, and he is being brought to justice. While we cannot ameliorate the irreparable harm to the victims and their families, we hope that securing this guilty plea brings them some measure of closure. And this prosecution sends a message across the nation: hate crimes will not be tolerated.”
The case is investigated by Olathe, Kansas Police Department and the Kansas City Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
For more information: 2017 Olathe, Kansas shooting
By Sowmya Sangam
