Tragedy in Newcastle: Indian Tech Entrepreneur Kills Wife and Son Before Taking His Own Life

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Harshavardhana S Kikkeri, a prominent Indian tech entrepreneur and CEO of robotics firm HoloWorld, is believed to have shot and killed his wife, Shwetha Panyam, and their 14-year-old son, Dhruva, before taking his own life at their Newcastle, Washington home on April 24th.

Harshavardhana Kikkeri: A Life Cut Short

Kikkeri, who hailed from Karnataka, India, was a celebrated figure in the robotics and tech world. After graduating with a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Syracuse University, he worked with Microsoft before returning to India in 2017 to co-found HoloWorld with his wife.

His groundbreaking invention, the HoloSuit, an AI-powered full-body motion capture suit, garnered international attention and was used across various sectors, even catching the eye of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who Kikkeri pitched robotic solutions for border security to.

A Devastating Loss

The tragedy unfolded on a quiet evening when authorities responded to a 911 call at the Kikkeri family’s townhouse. Upon arrival, they discovered the bodies of Harshavardhana, Shwetha, and Dhruva, each having succumbed to gunshot wounds. The couple’s younger son, thankfully, was not home at the time.

The King County Medical Examiner’s Office classified Shwetha and Dhruva’s deaths as homicides, while Harshavardhana’s death was ruled a suicide. The motive behind the horrific incident remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing.

Remembering a Family Lost

Neighbors described the family as friendly but reserved. The community is reeling from the devastating loss, left grappling with questions and mourning a bright future tragically cut short.