Indian-origin tech entrepreneur, family found dead in Washington home

In a tragic incident that has shocked communities both in the United States and India, a 57-year-old Indian-origin tech entrepreneur from Mysuru, along with his wife and teenage son, was found dead in a suburban home in Newcastle, Washington.

The incident, reported by The Seattle Times and confirmed by the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, occurred on April 24.

Harshavardhana S. Kikkeri, founder and CEO of the robotics firm HoloWorld based in Mysuru, was discovered deceased alongside his wife, Shwetha Panyam, 41, and their 14-year-old son, Dhruva Kikkeri. Shwetha was also the co-founder of HoloWorld. The couple’s seven-year-old son is the only known survivor.

Authorities responded to a 911 call around 7pm at a townhouse on 129th Place Southeast. Deputies arriving at the scene found signs of violence, including blood on the front window and a single hollow-point bullet on the street, according to King County Sheriff's spokesperson Brandyn Hull.

While the motive remains unclear, the King County Medical Examiner has ruled the deaths of Shwetha and Dhruva as homicides. Harshavardhana’s death was classified as suicide. However, law enforcement has not confirmed whether the case is being treated as a murder-suicide.

“The investigation is ongoing,” Hull stated. “Detectives are working diligently to piece together what led to this heartbreaking incident. Until then, the Sheriff’s Office won’t be releasing further updates.”

Neighbours described the family as quiet and private. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local tech and Indian communities, where the Kikkeri family was respected for their entrepreneurial work and contributions.