US shooting: Govardhan was to come home next month, now family awaits his body

HYDERABAD: The family of

Kotha Govardhan Reddy

, a clerk who was shot dead by robbers in Pensacola in

Florida

in the United States on Tuesday night, was joyfully waiting for him to return home in March to secure admission for his elder daughter in an Intermediate college. However, they now await his body to perform the last rites. Govardhan is survived by wife and two daughters.

Raja Kumari

, sister of Govardhan Reddy, told TOI, “Govardhan’s wife Shoba Rani lives with two kids in Habsiguda. As the girl is going to finish her class X exams, her father made a video call recently and told them that he would come to Hyderabad in March and scout for a good Intermediate college for her. He always used to tell his friends in the US that he wants to save money for the marriage needs of his daughters. However, the robbery and murder on Tuesday changed all that.”

“We are four siblings, Govardhan was our only brother. My parents live in Rahimkhanpet in Nalgonda. For the past seven years, Govardhan has not visited us and would always communicate only through video calls.”

Escambia County Sheriff had arrested three accused, including a woman, in the case on Tuesday and identified them as Efidarius Gemeateus Bryant, Martez Smith, and Crystal Elaine Clausell.

Govardhan was shot dead by the robbers at Quick fill station on the highway in Pensacola in Florida on Tuesday night. Several people, particularly customers who visit the store, put up a temporary memorial and offered prayers. “Fly High Rest In peace Mr Reddy” “We will miss you, We love you” were some of the messages written on placards at the memorial.