Thiruvananthapuram, 31 August (H.S.):

The deaths of two Kerala-born women at an apartment complex in Milpitas, California, have triggered a murder investigation, with another Malayali woman who was reportedly their friend being taken into custody.

The victims were Anjana Hari, 35, daughter of Haridas Thekkoot and Sushama of Mudikkode in Mannuthy, Thrissur, and Ann Mary Mathew, 40, daughter of Jiji Mathew and the late Bessy G Mathew of Kesavadasapuram, Thiruvananthapuram. Anila, 32, a Kottayam native residing in the same complex, was arrested following the incidents on August 28.

The investigation began after the Milpitas Police Department received information about a collision involving a pedestrian in the parking area of Mill Creek Apartments at 440 Dixon Landing Road. Police officers arrived at the location at 12.01 pm and discovered a seriously injured woman.

Witness statements indicating that a blue SUV had sped away helped officers trace a heavily damaged vehicle in another parking area nearby. Police said its damage appeared consistent with the reported collision. The woman behind the wheel, a 32-year-old Milpitas resident, was arrested.

Ann Mary was later found dead with stab wounds inside an apartment. Her husband, Jacob, reportedly discovered her body after going there upon learning about Anjana’s death.

Relatives said the three women were close friends and lived with their families in the apartment complex. They had attended an Onam celebration together the previous day and later watched a film at a theatre.

Anjana, a schoolteacher, lived with her husband Vijesh, a software engineer, and their six-year-old daughter Vamika. The family moved to California in 2021.

Ann Mary worked as a computer teacher and is survived by her husband and daughters Antreesa, 12, and Aleesa, five. She had visited Kerala in June for her father Jiji Mathew’s 70th birthday.

According to information received by Anjana’s relatives, investigators suspect Ann Mary may have been attacked first and Anjana subsequently called outside before being struck by the SUV. Police have not officially confirmed this account, and the precise circumstances remain under investigation.

The families have initiated formalities to bring both bodies to Kerala. Ann Mary’s father, a former Syndicate Bank official, said the repatriation process could take more than two weeks and that the family was still awaiting detailed information about the case.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman