Police in the United States have arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of Gujarati businessman Suresh Patel, 56, who was allegedly shot dead inside his liquor store in Jackson, Tennessee, following an armed robbery on August 20.
Corey Houge was apprehended by the Jackson police following a dramatic car chase on the afternoon of August 23. The pursuit ended when Houge wrecked his sedan outside a Burger King outlet on Christmasville Road, nearly 2.5 km from the crime scene on Ridgecrest Road, according to a Jackson police release on Facebook.
Houge allegedly attempted to escape through the back door of the restaurant and carjack a customer in the parking lot before officers caught him.
Houge faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated robbery, and unlawful possession of a weapon. Investigators also recovered key evidence from his vehicle, including a firearm, clothes, and a mask consistent with the attire worn during the crime.
Multi-agency investigation
After the murder, working alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Jackson police gathered surveillance video from nearby businesses and residential properties.
Announcing the arrest, the department stated, “Utilizing the recovered video collected and Flock (Automated License Plate Reader) cameras, a Buick Lucerne was identified as a potential suspect vehicle. During the course of the investigation, Corey Houge was developed as a potential suspect. On Sunday, August 23, just after 1.30 pm, investigators with the Jackson Police Department, FBI, and ATF located Corey Houge operating his Buick Lucerne… The officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop on Houge on a previous outstanding warrant, at which time Houge fled from pursuing officers at a high rate of speed.”
Patel killed just days after taking over business
Patel, a native of Akhaj village in the Mehsana district of Gujarat, was working at his store, Ridgecrest Cellars Wine and Spirits, on the night of August 20 when a masked gunman entered.
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“The suspect demanded money from the three employees working at the business,” the Jackson police said in the statement. “After the employees turned the money over to the gunman, the suspect shot Suresh Patel multiple times and fled the business.”
Among those present inside the store during the incident was Patel’s 19-year-old daughter, sources from his home village told The Indian Express.
Patel had migrated to the US nearly 30 years ago. He previously operated a liquor store in Chicago and had taken over Ridgecrest Cellars in Jackson City just a week before the shooting. He was the youngest of six brothers, all settled in the US, and is survived by his siblings; their parents have died.
Parimal A Dabhi works with The Indian Express as Chief of Bureau, focusing on the state of Gujarat. Leveraging his seniority and access, Dabhi is recognized for his reporting on the complex interplay of law, politics, social justice, and governance within the region.
Expertise & Authority
Core Authority (Social Justice and Law): Dabhi is a key source for in-depth coverage of caste-based violence, discrimination, and the state's response to social movements, particularly those involving Patidar, Dalit and OBC communities. His reporting focuses on the societal and legal fallout of these issues:
Caste and Discrimination: He has reported extensively on social boycotts and instances of violence against Dalits (such as the attack on a Dalit wedding party in Patan), the community's demands (like refusing to pick carcasses), and the political responses from leaders like Jignesh Mevani.
Judicial and Legal Affairs: He tracks significant, high-stakes legal cases and judgments that set precedents in Gujarat, including the convictions under the stringent Gujarat Animal Preservation Act (cow slaughter), 2002 Gujarat riots and developments in cases involving former police officers facing charges of wrongful confinement and fake encounters.
Political and Administrative Oversight: Dabhi provides essential coverage of the inner workings of the state government and the opposition, ensuring a high degree of Trustworthiness in political analysis:
State Assembly Proceedings: He frequently reports directly from the Gujarat Assembly, covering Question Hour, discussion on various Bills, debates on budgetary demands for departments like Social Justice, and ministerial statements on issues like illegal mining, job quotas for locals, and satellite-based farm loss surveys.
Electoral Politics: His work details key political developments, including election analysis (voter turnout records), party organizational changes (like the end of C R Patil’s tenure as BJP chief), and campaign dynamics. ... Read More
