HOUSTON, TX – The search intensifies for a suspect in the tragic shooting death of a young Nepali woman who had come to the United States to pursue her education. Houston police have released a surveillance image of the suspect, as the community mourns the loss of the promising student.
Mona Pande, 21, was found dead in her apartment on Monday evening, a discovery that has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Nepali community in Houston. Pande had moved to the city in 2021 to attend school, and her untimely death has left her family and friends devastated.
Gautam, a board member of the Nepalese Association of Houston, has been in close contact with Pande’s family in Nepal, including her heartbroken mother. “This is very unfortunate for her because she is the only child,” he said, highlighting the profound grief felt by her family.
The apartment complex staff received an anonymous tip about a body in Pande’s unit before notifying the police. Gautam and others who visited the scene noted there were no signs of forced entry, raising questions about how the suspect gained access to her apartment.
Houston police have shared a photo of the suspect, believed to have been in the vicinity days before Pande was found. Gautam mentioned that Pande’s phone, which was usually online, went offline after Saturday night, adding another layer of mystery to the case.
Pande’s death has resonated deeply within the Nepali community, both online and at local establishments like Kathmandu Curry and Bar, where she was well-known. Ram Skoda, who met Pande shortly after her arrival in Houston, described her as “very smart, loyal, honest, and beautiful.”
Efforts are underway to assist Pande’s mother with travel arrangements, as the community rallies to support the family during this difficult time. Friends and family are also working to establish a fundraiser to cover travel and funeral expenses.
The investigation continues, with police working diligently to apprehend the suspect and uncover the circumstances surrounding Pande’s death. Meanwhile, the community hopes for justice and closure for a life cut tragically short.