Gov. Phil Murphy seeks Indian government assistance to bring accused killer of Maple Shade mother and son to trial.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has formally requested the extradition of Nazeer Hameed, an accused murderer, from India to face charges related to the brutal slaying of Sasikala Narra and her six-year-old son, Anish, in Maple Shade. This high-profile case dates back to March 2017, when the mother and son were found dead in their home at the Fox Meadow Apartments. The gruesome nature of the crime shocked the local community and garnered widespread attention.

Nazeer Hameed, 38, has been charged with murder following the findings of law enforcement officials, who reported that both victims suffered multiple stab wounds, including severe injuries to their heads and hands. Anish, tragically, was nearly decapitated during the attack. The crime scene was discovered by Hanumantha Rao Narra, Sasikala’s husband and Anish’s father, who returned home to the catastrophic aftermath.

Investigators allege that Hameed specifically waited for the mother and child to be alone before launching his violent assault. After committing the crime, he fled to India, where he has reportedly remained in hiding ever since. The investigation, which spanned eight years, became a priority for local, state, and federal law enforcement. Detective work culminated in a breakthrough when Hameed’s DNA was discovered to match a blood sample left at the crime scene, a detail that emerged only after authorities obtained his DNA from a personal laptop that was shipped to New Jersey.

In a letter directed to Vinay Kwatra, the Indian ambassador to the United States, Governor Murphy emphasized the critical importance of bringing Hameed to justice. He stated that the heinous nature of the crime underscored the need for cooperation between India and the United States in matters of international law enforcement.

The governor further noted that the relentless efforts of investigators had yielded significant progress, ultimately connecting Hameed to this tragic event through forensic evidence. While he refrained from speculating on the motive behind the brutal killings, Burlington County officials revealed that Hameed had previously worked at the same company as Mr. Narra and lived in close proximity to the family.

The pursuit of justice in this case highlights the ongoing commitment of authorities to resolve violent acts that impact communities, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. The extradition request reflects not only a legal obligation but also a moral imperative to uphold justice for the victims and their grieving family.