The tragic case of a New Jersey father returning home from work to discover his wife and 6-year-old son brutally stabbed to death inside their Maple Shade apartment in 2017 has resurfaced as authorities have finally identified a suspect after an eight-year investigation. The victims, Sasikala Narra, 38, and her son, Anish, were found deceased on March 23, 2017, with autopsy results revealing they had succumbed to multiple stab wounds. The gruesome scene that greeted Hanumanth “Hanu” Narra when he arrived home from work left the community in shock as they grappled with the brutal nature of the crime.
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Following an extensive investigation, detectives uncovered a crucial piece of evidence in the form of a tiny blood droplet at the crime scene that did not match the victims’ DNA. Through forensic analysis, the blood was found to belong to a male with Central Asian ancestry, later identified as Nazeer Hameed. Hameed, who resided in the same apartment complex as the Narra family and worked at the same company, Cognizant Technology Solutions, became a person of interest as investigators delved deeper into his connection to the victims. Despite Hameed fleeing to India six months after the murders, authorities continued their pursuit, seeking justice for the heinous crime that rocked the close-knit community.
Efforts to procure Hameed’s DNA sample spanned several years, with Indian officials reporting his refusal to provide one in 2020. However, a breakthrough came when detectives obtained his DNA from a company-issued laptop after Cognizant cooperated with a subpoena. The forensic examination of the keyboard yielded a DNA profile consistent with the unknown blood droplet found at the crime scene, solidifying investigators’ belief that Hameed was responsible for the murders of Sasikala and Anish Narra. The turning point in the case provided a sense of closure for Maple Shade residents who had long awaited justice for the victims.
As authorities navigate the extradition process to bring Hameed back to the United States to face trial, questions regarding the motive behind the gruesome killings linger. While the prosecution works towards securing a conviction without a definitive motive, the resolve to hold Hameed accountable for the senseless deaths of Sasikala and Anish remains unwavering. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of such a heinous crime on families and communities, as they grapple with the aftermath and seek solace in the pursuit of justice.
The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, at the forefront of the investigation, continues to collaborate with federal agencies to ensure Hameed faces the consequences of his alleged actions. The community’s response to the developments in the case underscores the profound impact of such crimes on individuals and the collective sense of safety. As the legal process unfolds, the hope for closure and accountability in the tragic deaths of Sasikala and Anish Narra remains paramount, propelling the pursuit of justice forward in the wake of unspeakable loss.