Authorities in Houston are investigating the tragic death of Muna Pandey, a 21-year-old international student from Nepal, who was found shot to death in her apartment on Monday evening. The incident occurred at Pandey’s residence located on West Airport Boulevard in southwest Houston, around 5:30 p.m., as reported by her friends.
The Houston Police Department has yet to officially confirm the identity of the victim, pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. However, close friends of Pandey have identified her to local media, including KHOU 11’s Jason Miles, leaving the community shocked and heartbroken.
Muna Pandey moved to Houston in 2021 to pursue her studies at Houston Community College, according to Drona Gautam, a representative of the Nepalese Association of Houston. Described as a diligent student and a beloved member of the local Nepali community, Pandey’s untimely death has sent ripples of grief across Houston and back to her homeland. Gautam mentioned that Pandey was an only child, and her family in Nepal is devastated by the news.
On Wednesday, the Houston Police Department released a surveillance image of a man believed to be connected to Pandey’s death. The suspect’s identity and whereabouts remain unknown, and investigators are actively searching for leads.
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The police responded to the scene after receiving a call about a person down. Upon arrival, officers discovered Pandey with multiple gunshot wounds. The circumstances leading to the shooting are still unclear, and the motive remains unknown.
Staff at the apartment complex where Pandey lived told investigators that they had received an anonymous call about a body inside the apartment, prompting them to contact the authorities. This anonymous tip has added another layer of mystery to the case as police work to piece together the events leading to Pandey’s death.
The Houston Police Department’s Homicide Division is urging anyone with information regarding this case to come forward. Individuals can contact the division directly at 713-308-3600 or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. The search for the suspect continues as the community mourns the loss of a young life filled with promise.
As the investigation unfolds, Pandey’s death serves as a somber reminder of the violence that can strike unexpectedly, shattering lives and leaving a community in mourning.
