Indian motel owner killed in shootout

FAYETTEVILLE, NC — An Indian-origin owner of a motel was shot dead and four others were injured in a shootout in the US state of North Carolina.

Akash Talati, 40, who owned Knights Inn and Diamondz Gentlemen’s Club in Fayetteville city, was an innocent bystander when a man who had been escorted out of the club returned soon and exchanged gunfire with a security guard on November 11.

The police were called to the club past midnight.

The police said Markeese Dewitt, 23, of Fayetteville has been charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.

Dewitt was shot four or five times and remained in serious condition at Cape Fear Valley Medical Centre. Only Dewitt and the security guard exchanged gunfire and the others were bystanders.

One of the victims was in a fair condition at the hospital. The two others were treated and released. Talati, from Anand in Gujarat, died at the hospital.

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