Singh Family
A tragic incident unfolded in Merced, California, where a family of four, including an 8-month-old baby named Aroohi Dheri, was found dead. The victims were Jasdeep Singh, Jasleen Kaur, Amandeep Singh (Jasdeep's uncle), and Aroohi. The main suspect, Jesus Manuel Salgado, a former employee of Jasdeep and Amandeep's trucking company, has been arrested and charged with murder and kidnapping, while his brother, Alberto Salgado, faces charges of aiding him.
The devastating loss has deeply impacted the surviving family members. Amarinder Singh, Jasdeep's cousin, described the heart-wrenching moment when he learned about the deaths. The victims had immigrated to the United States from a small village in Punjab, India, seeking a safe and secure future. Amandeep, in particular, exemplified the American Dream, starting with a single truck and building his own business. The security camera footage showed Amandeep being taken from his workplace, shattering the once-idealized image of America for their family.
The tragic event, categorized as a possible hate crime, has received little attention from mainstream media. Amarinder Singh expressed his surprise and disbelief that such a devastating incident could happen so close to their family. The victims had plans for Thanksgiving, a holiday that held great importance for Amandeep, who cherished spending it with his extended family.
Singh remembers the joy Aroohi brought to her parents and the special bond they shared. The family was full of hope and had dreams for their children's futures. The loss has left Amandeep's wife, Jaspreet Kaur, as a single mother struggling to cope with the tragedy, while their young children find it difficult to comprehend the magnitude of what has happened.
In the wake of the tragedy, the immediate family members have received support from relatives and well-wishers through a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised a substantial amount. However, the pain and void left by the loss of their loved ones continue to reverberate through Singh's family.
The senseless nature of the crime is incomprehensible, particularly considering the innocence of the 8-month-old victim. Singh emphasizes that Aroohi had done nothing wrong and certainly did not deserve such a fate. The family is devastated, with the elderly parents of the two brothers now left alone. The memories of their loved ones will forever linger, as Singh vividly recalls their words, hugs, and the things they used to do together.
The incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of marginalized communities and the need for greater attention to racial attacks in mainstream media. The loss of Jasdeep, Jasleen, Amandeep, and Aroohi highlights the profound impact of hate crimes and the importance of fostering a society where everyone feels safe and secure, irrespective of their background or ethnicity.
