Indian killed in Georgia shootings

ROME, GA – Two Indian Americans, Parmjit Singh, 44, and Parthey Patel, 30, were the victims of a shooting that happened at two different gas stations and convenience stores in Rome, Georgia.

Singh was pronounced dead at the scene, while Patel is still in critical condition.

The police said that Lamar Nicholson, 28, walked into the Hi-Tech Quick Stop on Burnett Ferry Road on the night a little before 9 pm.

“He walks right up to the counter, pulls a gun out of his right pocket, fires 3 rounds, and runs out, he’s in and out in under 12 seconds,” Floyd County Police Sgt. William Wacker told reporters, adding that there was no robbery or altercation.

Ten minutes later, Nicholson got into his car, drove a mile and a half down the road and entered Elm Street Food and Beverage, another convenience store, stealing some money before shooting Patel.

“For whatever reason after he stuffed his pockets full of money, he shot the clerk anyway,” said Rome Police Lt. John Walters.

The police spotted Nicholson in his car less than two miles away, along with a pistol and some money on the seat. He was arrested on multiple charges including murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault and is being held without bond in the Floyd County jail.

Nicholson, a convicted felon, was hauled up just a few weeks ago for violently snatching up his 3-year-old daughter by the arm. He faced charges of child cruelty, disorderly conduct and simple battery in connection with that incident.

Friends of Singh dropped off balloons and flowers in front of his store and prayed for his two children who are in high school.