Second victim in Accomac convenience store shooting dies

By Linda Cicoira

Authorities confirmed Saturday that the woman, now identified as Urmi Patel, who was taken to a Virginia hospital after being shot at the Shore Stop convenience store in Accomac early Thursday morning, has died from her injuries.

She was the daughter of the other shooting victim, 56-year-old Pradipkumar Ratilal Patel, of Accomac, who died at the scene from apparent gunshot wounds. Both were employees of the store. The father was the manager there.

The Accomack County Sheriff’s Office was notified at about 5:30 a.m., March 20, by EMTs who thought they were going on a rescue call for a heart attack victim and instead found the victims.

When deputies arrived, they discovered the unresponsive man. A search of the building led to the discovery of the woman. Autopsy results are pending for both victims.

The outcry from the surrounding community has been one of sorrow and outrage. The two were natives of India, so there were also shockwaves felt in the Indian community in the United States and abroad.

The New Indian Express, an e-newspaper from India reported Saturday that Pradeepkumar Patel, “was originally from Kanoda village in Mehsana, Gujarat, was killed instantly when the assailant stormed into their shop and opened fire. His daughter succumbed to her injuries while receiving medical treatment.”

“A swift police response led to the immediate arrest of the suspect, identified as George Frazier Devon Wharton,” the newspaper continued. “However, authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the brutal attack.”

“‘The father and daughter were members of our family,’ said store owner, Patesh Patel, struggling to process the tragedy,” the Indian newspaper reported. “My cousin’s wife and her father were working at the store in the morning when a man suddenly entered and opened fire. I don’t know what to do.”

Forty-four-year-old Wharton, of Onancock, is being held in Accomack Jail with bond denied. He was initially charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, two counts of using a firearm in the shootings, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Accomack Circuit Court files show Wharton, who also goes by the name George Davis, was convicted of distribution of cocaine in 2008, which makes him a felon.

Sheriff Todd Wessells’ investigation is continuing. Anyone with information about the crimes is asked to call his office (757) 787-1131 or (757) 824-5666. Tips may also be submitted via his website at accomackcountysheriffsoffice.org