Deepak Kandel (Austin Police Department).
A bus rider in Austin, Texas, stabbed a fellow passenger on Wednesday, according to cops. His alleged reason? The victim looked like his uncle. Deepak Kandel, 31, is now charged with murder.
Police say that officers and EMS responded to a call in the 500 block of South Lawar Boulevard at 6:45 p.m. The caller said someone had been stabbed on a CapMetro bus. First responders found Akshay Gupta, 30, seriously injured. They tried to save his life but pronounced him dead at 7:30 p.m.
Investigators claimed they soon discovered Kandel was the killer.
“Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Specialists responded to process the scene and interview witnesses,” police wrote. “The investigation showed the suspect, later identified as Deepak Kandel had been sitting next to Mr. Gupta on the bus when, without provocation, Kandel stabbed Mr. Gupta in the neck. Once the bus was stopped, Kandel calmly exited the bus with the other passengers and left the scene on foot. APD patrol officers were able to locate and detain Kandel a short time later. Kandel admitted to stabbing Mr. Gupta due to him resembling his uncle.”
Police are reaching out to anyone with information on the case, but also riders who might have left something on the bus because of the stabbing. From their statement:
Anyone needing to retrieve personal property left on the CapMetro bus as a result of this incident is asked to contact CapMetro customer service at 512-474-1200 for instructions.
Anyone with information should contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest.
