SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento community is mourning the death of 38-year-old Shalini Thakur, who was fatally shot Tuesday outside a shopping center in the Arden-Arcade area, according to the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office and local authorities.
Authorities said deputies responded shortly before 3 p.m. after witnesses reported a shooting near a Panera Bread on Howe Avenue. Investigators identified Thakur as the woman who was attacked. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, Thakur had previously reported being stalked and harassed by 22-year-old Rohit Rohit. Investigators said the alleged harassment had continued for months and included claims that he tracked her vehicle and entered her apartment while she was sleeping.
Thakur obtained a restraining order against Rohit in May, following concerns raised by authorities. Investigators said she later reported an alleged violation of that order.
After the shooting, deputies located Rohit’s vehicle near Highway 50. Authorities said he was later found dead inside the vehicle from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Highway 50 was closed for several hours during the law enforcement response.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the killing.
Shalini Thakur’s death has also renewed concerns about the challenges victims can face when stalking and harassment escalate despite protective legal measures. Further information about her family, personal life and funeral arrangements had not been publicly detailed in the latest reports.