An Indian-origin former Meta software engineer, Anand Henry, is suspected of committing a gruesome murder-suicide in the state of California, USA. The tragic incident unfolded when Henry, 37, and his wife, Alice Benziger, 36, were found dead in the bathroom of their residence on Alameda de las Pulgas on Monday morning. The discovery shocked the community and left authorities grappling with the complexities of the case.
According to the San Mateo Police Department, the investigation revealed that Benziger succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, while Henry suffered from a single shot. The 9mm handgun, registered to Henry, was discovered on the bathroom floor beside their bodies. Disturbingly, their 4-year-old twin sons were also found deceased, although they did not exhibit signs of trauma. The precise cause of their deaths remains undetermined pending further investigation.
Henry, a former software engineer at Meta with a background in artificial intelligence, and Benziger, who worked as a data scientist for Zillow, were a couple from Kerala who both attended Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Despite their professional accomplishments, the family’s lives took a tragic turn in circumstances that shocked those who knew them.
The absence of a history of violence at the residence adds layers of complexity to the case. Prior to the incident, the only police involvement at the home was in response to a report of a mountain lion sighting in the backyard. Court records indicate that Henry had filed for divorce in December 2016, although it appears the process was not finalized.
Concerns escalated when attempts to contact the family over the weekend went unanswered, prompting authorities to conduct a wellness check. The grim discovery made during this check unveiled the harrowing reality of the suspected murder-suicide, believed to have occurred on Saturday afternoon.
The motive behind this tragic turn of events remains under investigation. The San Mateo Police Department has emphasized the importance of raising awareness about domestic violence and mental health resources in the aftermath of the incident. While the community grapples with the shock and grief caused by this devastating loss, efforts to provide support and assistance to those affected are paramount.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are committed to unraveling the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident. While the lives lost cannot be restored, the hope is that by shedding light on the resources available for those experiencing domestic violence or mental health challenges, similar tragedies can be prevented in the future. The community stands united in mourning the loss of lives and advocating for a future where such senseless violence is eradicated.
