Two women from Kerala were allegedly killed in separate incidents in Milpitas, California, on August 28, leaving the Malayali community in the United States and Kerala shocked.

The victims have been identified as Anjana Hari, 35, from Thrissur, and Ann Mathew, 40, from Thiruvananthapuram. Both women lived with their families in the same apartment complex. A woman identified as Anila, who was reportedly a friend of the victims and originally from Kottayam, has been taken into custody.

Three Women Lived in the Same Complex

Anjana, Ann and Anila were reportedly residents of the same apartment complex along with their families.

A close relative of Anjana told Manorama Online that the three women had attended Onam celebrations together just days before the incident.

The circumstances surrounding their deaths have therefore shocked relatives and members of the Malayali community.

Ann Found Dead in Apartment

According to information received by the families, Ann was allegedly killed inside her apartment at the Mill Creek Apartments complex on Dixon Landing Road.

After learning about Anjana’s death, Ann’s husband, Jacob, went to their apartment and found his wife unconscious. Ann was subsequently found dead inside the residence, according to the report.

Anjana Hit by Vehicle

The second incident occurred in the parking area of the same apartment complex.

According to information received by the victims’ relatives, Anila allegedly called Anjana downstairs before striking her with a vehicle.

Milpitas police received a report of a hit-and-run collision on August 28. Officers arrived at 440 Dixon Landing Road and found Anjana critically injured. She was later pronounced dead.

Blue SUV Found Nearby

Police said witnesses reported seeing a blue SUV leaving the area immediately after the collision.

Investigators later found the vehicle parked at a nearby parking lot. The SUV had sustained damage, according to the report.

The discovery of the vehicle became part of the police investigation into the circumstances surrounding Anjana’s death.

Friend Taken Into Custody

Following further investigation, police took Anila into custody in connection with the deaths.

However, authorities have not yet publicly established a motive or released detailed findings explaining why the two women were allegedly targeted.

The investigation is continuing, and further details are expected as US authorities examine the evidence.

Victims Lived With Their Families

All three women reportedly lived in the same apartment complex with their respective families.

The women were employed in different jobs in the United States. Anjana had moved to the US in 2021 and is survived by her husband, Vijeesh, and their six-year-old daughter.

Kerala Families Await More Information

The deaths have caused considerable distress among relatives and members of the Kerala community.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi said on Monday that all necessary steps would be taken to bring the mortal remains of the two women back to India.

He also said that the specific motive and detailed findings of the investigation would become clear only after formal reports are received from US authorities by the relevant Indian ministries and NORKA.

Motive Remains Unknown

One of the key unanswered questions is the motive behind the two deaths.

Although Anila has been taken into custody, the authorities have not yet officially detailed the allegations against her or established the complete sequence of events.

Investigators are expected to examine the relationship between the three women, evidence from the apartment and parking area, and the circumstances surrounding both deaths.

Conclusion

The deaths of two Kerala women in separate incidents in California have shocked their families and the wider Malayali community. Anjana Hari, 35, and Ann Mathew, 40, were both living with their families in the same Milpitas apartment complex. Ann was found dead inside her apartment, while Anjana died after being struck by a vehicle in the parking area.

Police have taken Anila, who was reportedly a friend of both victims, into custody. However, the motive and full sequence of events remain under investigation. Union Minister Suresh Gopi has said efforts will be made to bring the victims’ mortal remains back to India, while further details are awaited from US authorities.