Wed Apr 30 06:05:33 UTC 2025: ## Indian Tech Entrepreneur Kills Wife, Son, Then Himself in US Murder-Suicide
**Newcastle, Washington –** In a tragic turn of events, Harshavardhana S Kikkeri (57), a prominent Indian tech entrepreneur and founder of the now-defunct robotics company HoloWorld, allegedly shot and killed his wife, Shwetha Panyam (44), and their 14-year-old son at their Newcastle, Washington home on April 24th before taking his own life. A second son survived as he was not home at the time.
The King County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the murder-suicide, stating that an investigation is underway to determine the motive. While neighbors described the family as friendly but reserved, the cause of the tragedy remains unknown. News reports show a child being escorted from the home and comforted by investigators.
Kikkeri, originally from Mandya district in India, co-founded HoloWorld with his wife in 2017 after returning from the US, where he worked for Microsoft. The company, headquartered in Mysuru, ultimately closed in 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the family’s return to the United States. At the peak of his success, Kikkeri even met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss using robotics for border security.
The incident has left the community shocked and saddened, highlighting the devastating impact of domestic violence and mental health struggles. Further details are expected as the investigation continues.
First Piper 