Sacramento woman killed by stalker who DHS says was in US illegally

Key points

• Shalini Thakur was shot multiple times by Rohit Rohit on September 8 near a Panera Bread in Sacramento.
• DHS confirmed Rohit entered the US illegally in 2023 and was in the country without legal status.
• Thakur had obtained a restraining order against Rohit in May 2026 after months of escalating stalking.
• Rohit was located by deputies using a Flock camera system and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
• The incident has triggered a political dispute between DHS and California Governor Gavin Newsom regarding sanctuary laws.

Background

This incident follows a series of earlier reports detailing the stalking behavior of Rohit Rohit against Shalini Thakur. Previous coverage highlighted that Rohit had been tracking Thakur using an Apple AirTag and had entered her home while she slept. The case has been ongoing in the news since early September 2026, with initial reports focusing on the fatal shooting and subsequent suicide, followed by deeper investigations into the restraining order violations and the suspect's immigration status.

How outlets are covering it

CNN and KCRA both report the core facts of the shooting and the suspect's death but emphasize different aspects of the aftermath. CNN highlights the political conflict, noting that DHS blamed the Biden administration for releasing the suspect, while California Governor Gavin Newsom's office argued that the incident distracts from the need for better law enforcement of stalking and restraining orders. KCRA focuses more on the personal tragedy, detailing the final phone call between Thakur and her mother, Sudesh Kumari, and the mother's grief and questions about why the system failed to protect her daughter. Both outlets agree on the timeline of the stalking, which began in January 2026, and the fact that Thakur had a restraining order in place at the time of her death.

Why it matters

This case underscores the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies. It also raises critical questions about the effectiveness of restraining orders and law enforcement in protecting victims of domestic violence and stalking, especially when the perpetrator violates the order. The incident has drawn attention to the need for better coordination between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, as well as the importance of supporting victims who may be hesitant to pursue legal action due to fear or trauma.

What to watch

The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation into the circumstances of the shooting. The case is likely to be used in political debates over immigration and sanctuary policies, with both sides using the incident to support their respective positions. Additionally, the case may lead to increased scrutiny of how restraining orders are enforced and how law enforcement responds to violations of such orders. The family of Shalini Thakur is expected to continue advocating for better protection for victims of stalking and domestic violence.