People who met Bharat Narumanchi, the doctor the police said killed an Austin pediatrician before allegedly pointing the gun at himself, said they believed the terminally ill man returned to the city of Texas to be close to his family after to know the terrible diagnosis according to recent reports.
Narumanchi, 43, left Santa Ana, California, and his job at Paramount Care Medical Group and moved closer to his family in Austin about six months ago, after learning he had terminal cancer, said former colleague Dr. H. Joseph Khan to the USA Today Network.
“The main reason he left is that he was suffering from this disease and wanted to be close to his family,” said Khan, adding later: “And he said that when he got better, he would come back.”
A spokesman for the Narumanchi family did not immediately respond on Friday to Fox News’ request for comment.
Bharat Narumanchi (handout)
THE FAMILY OF THE SUSPICIOUS MURDER OF AUSTIN SUICIDE DISCLOSES STATEMENT AS ALLEGATIONS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE LEAVE: REPORTS
On Thursday, the representative said the family was unlikely to speak publicly other than a statement made the night before.
“We, the parents of Dr. Bharat Kumar Narumanchi, wish to extend our most sincere condolences and most fervent prayers to Dr. Lindley Dodson’s family, friends and colleagues,” says the parents’ statement, in part. “We share his pain for such a shortened, meaningless life. We don’t understand our son’s motives or actions, but we feel it is better to spend this time remembering Dr. Dodson and her contributions to this world.”
Speaking to the USA Today Network, Khan said Narumanchi worked at the California doctor’s office for less than a year.
He added that he was “very, very shocked” by Tuesday’s news and said that Narumanchi “does not look like a serial killer”.
“I read on the internet that he had a gun. I don’t think he’s that type,” continued Khan. “I don’t think he would hurt anyone. I would feel safe talking to him.”
AUSTIN PEDIATRICIAN MURDERED DURING HOSPITALITY REMEMBERED BY PARENTS, ‘SHE RADIATED POSITIVITY’
Austin Police Department (APD) investigators are still working to determine why Narumanchi shot Children’s Medical Group pediatrician Dodson late Tuesday afternoon when he entered the West 35 Street Office and took hostages.
Four of the hostages – all adult employees – managed to escape, either fleeing or being released by Narumanchi, police said on Wednesday. Dodson was unable to escape.
Narumanchi had applied – and was rejected – for a volunteer position at the company just a week earlier, police said.
The police said he met Dodson and other doctors during the previous visit, although the police still do not know why he was targeting Dodson.
THE SUSPECT OF AUSTIN STANDOFF WAS RECENTLY DIAGNOSED WITH TERMINAL CANCER, HAD ‘WEEKS TO LIVE’, THE POLICE SAY
Dr. Katherine Lindley Dodson left her husband and three children. (Nick Higman)
(Nick Higman)
Narumanchi was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer and “only had a few weeks to live,” said Austin Police Lieutenant Jeff Greenwalt.
“We feel that his terminal cancer probably played a big role in everything that happened in his life and what was happening yesterday,” said Greenwalt. “We don’t know exactly why he chose to take these actions or direct this particular business. So we are asking if anyone is a friend of Dr. Dodson or Dr. Narumanchi and do they know why he wanted to come to that particular business or know what may be happening in your life … Please call the Austin Police Department tip line. “
Dodson’s family said in a statement on Wednesday that “they are devastated by the tragic, sudden and meaningless loss of our beloved Lindley”.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION
“As a mother, wife, daughter, friend and dedicated pediatrician, she radiated light, love and joy in everything she did and everyone she touched. She developed an immediate relationship with her patients and had the unique ability to make you feel like the only person in the room, “said his family. “We are very grateful for the display of love and concern, but due to the continuing nature of this investigation and our request for privacy during this terrible period, we will have no further comment.”
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Paul Best of Fox News contributed to this report.