Student of Indian origin killed in Purdue University

[Chevilopuvvu]

 

The Tippecanoe County Coroner's Office identified the victim as 20-year-old Varun Manish Chheda of Indianapolis.
 

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue Universitypolice are investigating the homicide of a student at a residence hall overnight.

The student, identified as 20-year-old Varun Manish Chheda, of Indianapolis, will be remembered Wednesday night at 8 p.m. during a vigil at the Purdue Unfinished P. 

It's a fitting place for the vigil. According to the university, the Unfinished P is a symbol that is meant to remind people to keep their Purdue experience close at heart, not just for themselves, but for all those who, for various reasons, didn't get the opportunity to complete their Purdue experience.

A university spokesperson said a 911 call came into the Purdue University Police Department at 12:44 a.m. Wednesday morning from McCutcheon Hall.

A suspect — Chheda's roommate — made the call and is in custody. There is no threat to the community, the university spokesperson said.

The Tippecanoe County Coroner's Office on Wednesday identified Chheda, who was a senior at the university and studied data science. A preliminary autopsy Wednesday found Chheda's cause of death was determined to be multiple sharp force traumatic injuries.

Purdue University Police Chief Lesley Wiete identified the suspect as 22-year-old Ji Min Sha, a junior who is studying cybersecurity at Purdue. Police said Sha is an international student from Korea.

Sha is being held on a preliminarily charged of murder. As he walked into the Tippecanoe County Jail, Sha twice said, "I love my family."

What we know about Varun Chheda

Dennis Bisgaard, interim head of school at Park Tudor, confirmed Chheda graduated from the private school on Indianapolis north side and released the following statement: 

The entire Park Tudor community is incredibly saddened by the tragic loss of Varun Chheda, Park Tudor class of 2020. Our prayers are with his family at this difficult time.

Chheda attended Sycamore School from kindergarten through eighth grade, graduating from the school in 2016.

Ji Min Sha (L) and Varun Manish Chheda (R). Chheda, 20, was found dead in McCutcheon Hall on Wednesday morning, according to the Tippecanoe County Coroner's Office. Ji Min Sha, 22, was identified as the suspect by Purdue Police Chief Lesley Wiete during a press conference. (Tippecanoe County and Sycamore School)