Authorities say 38-year-old Shalini Thakur was shot and killed on Sept. 8 in Sacramento after reportedly being stalked and harassed for more than a year by 22-year-old Rohit Rohit. Video released by the sheriff's office shows Thakur fleeing before Rohit shot her multiple times and fired a close-range shot after she fell. Rohit later died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot when deputies tried to stop his vehicle. Investigators say prior incidents included an AirTag placed on Thakur's car, an alleged unlawful entry after obtaining her key, and attempts to force her into marriage; the investigation is ongoing.
Man Allegedly Stalked Woman for a Year, Secured Her Key — Then Fatally Shot Her in Sacramento
Shalini ThakurCredit: Shalini Thakur/Facebook
A Sacramento woman was fatally shot after what authorities say was more than a year of stalking and harassment by a man who allegedly gained access to her home and repeatedly targeted her.
Who was involved: The victim was identified by the Sacramento County Coroner's Office on Sept. 10 as 38-year-old Shalini Thakur. The suspect, identified by law enforcement as 22-year-old Rohit Rohit, confronted Thakur on Sept. 8 and later died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, officials said.
The shooting
According to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, deputies say Rohit confronted Thakur shortly before 3 p.m. on Sept. 8 near a Panera Bread at a shopping center on Howe Avenue. Sheriff’s office video released publicly shows Thakur running as Rohit chased her, then produced a firearm and fired multiple times. After she fell, deputies say Rohit fired a close-range shot to her head.
Rohit fled the scene in a vehicle and later died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound when deputies tried to stop his car after he slammed on the brakes on Highway 50, the sheriff's office said.
Rohit RohitCredit: Sacramento County Sheriff's Office
Allegations of prolonged stalking and other incidents
Investigators said they had evidence Rohit had harassed and stalked Thakur for months. Detectives learned Thakur discovered an Apple AirTag under the hood of her vehicle in January, and a restraining order obtained by local media states the stalking alleged in court records began in September 2025.
Thakur reportedly recognized Rohit because he worked as a DoorDash driver who picked up orders from the IHOP where she worked. Law enforcement described additional troubling incidents: in one, Rohit allegedly let the air out of a tire on Thakur’s car and followed her to work so he could approach and offer help; in another, he allegedly obtained a copy of her apartment key and entered her residence while she was sleeping, later saying he had gone inside because he was worried when she did not answer.
According to the restraining order cited by KCRA 3, Rohit also attempted to coerce Thakur into marriage. Thakur initially declined to press charges or seek a restraining order but obtained one in May after deputies urged her to do so. On July 29 she reported a violation when Rohit left random grocery items at her front door, deputies said.
Immigration and official responses
Federal records shared by the Department of Homeland Security indicate Rohit entered the United States illegally through Arizona in August 2023 and was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol before being released into the country, according to DHS.
A GoFundMe organizer raising money to help the family described Thakur as "a caring, loving, selfless, and generous young woman" whose kindness had touched many. Officials said the investigation remains active and asked anyone with information to contact the Sacramento Sheriff's non-emergency line at 916-874-5115.
Sources: Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, Sacramento County Coroner's Office, KCRA 3, CBS News Sacramento, Department of Homeland Security
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