Kerala Women Killed in California: Stabbing, Car Crash and Unanswered Questions

Two Malayali women from Keralam, Anjana Hari and Ann Mary Mathew, were allegedly killed in California on August 28, with their friend Anila, a 32-year-old Kottayam native, arrested in connection with the deaths.

The women lived with their families in the same Milpitas apartment complex and were reportedly close friends. Relatives said the three had celebrated Onam and watched a film together just a day before the killings, deepening the shock.

According to relatives, Ann Mary, 40, was allegedly attacked inside her apartment. Her body was later found with stab wounds. US police have confirmed that the death was a homicide, while the full sequence and motive remain undisclosed.

The second victim, Anjana Hari, 35, was fatally struck by a vehicle in the parking area of Mill Creek Apartments. Milpitas police said officers responded at about 12.01 pm after receiving reports of a hit-and-run. Witnesses reportedly saw a blue SUV leaving the area. Officers later located a damaged blue SUV in a nearby parking lot and arrested a 32-year-old Milpitas resident.

Relatives allege that Anila stabbed Ann and later rammed a car into Anjana. However, this reported sequence has not been fully established in public statements from US investigators. Police have not publicly confirmed whether the two incidents were deliberately connected or whether the vehicle collision was intentional.

The motive remains unknown, with no definitive explanation from investigators at this stage. US authorities are expected to establish the precise circumstances through forensic evidence, witness accounts and investigative findings.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi said the deaths had been officially confirmed as homicides. He also said the Indian Consulate in San Francisco had contacted funeral homes and begun documentation for repatriating the remains. The bodies may be retained temporarily for investigation.

The MEA, Ministry of Home Affairs and NORKA are awaiting formal reports from US authorities. Those reports are expected to clarify the motive, sequence of events and investigative findings. Until then, allegations surrounding the killings should be treated as unconfirmed.