In a shocking incident, two Malayali women living in California were killed in separate but connected events on August 28, with their common friend arrested in connection with the deaths.
The victims have been identified as Anjana Hari (35), a native of Thrissur, and Ann Mary Mathew (40), from Thiruvananthapuram. Their friend Anila (32), originally from Kottayam, has been arrested, though the motive remains unclear.
According to relatives, the three women had celebrated Onam together the previous evening, attending a cultural event and watching a film. By the next day, Anjana was run over in a parking lot in Milpitas, while Ann was found stabbed to death inside her San Jose apartment.
Police said a blue SUV was involved in the hit‑and‑run that killed Anjana. The vehicle was later found damaged, and its driver arrested. Ann’s husband discovered her body after learning of Anjana’s death.
Relatives suggested that Anila had recently lost her job, while Ann had secured employment just two weeks earlier, though police have not confirmed any link between employment issues and the killings.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi confirmed the deaths as homicides and said he is coordinating with the Indian Consulate in San Francisco to repatriate the bodies. Documentation is underway, though US authorities may retain the remains for investigation.
The tragedy has left families in Kerala devastated. Anjana is survived by her husband Vijesh, a software engineer, and their six‑year‑old daughter Vamika. Ann leaves behind her husband Jacob and two children, Andreesa (12) and Alisa (5).
The killings have sent shockwaves through Kerala’s diaspora community, highlighting the fragility of life abroad even amid festive celebrations.
