In the quiet suburb of Lawrenceville, Georgia, a peaceful night turned into a scene of unimaginable horror on January 23, 2026. Just after 2:30 a.m., police received a frantic 911 call from a 12-year-old child reporting gunshots inside a home on Brook Ivy Court. When officers arrived, they discovered a devastating tragedy: four adults lay dead from gunshot wounds, while three young children—ages 7, 10, and 12—huddled together in a closet, shaken but physically unharmed.
The victims were identified as Meemu Dogra, 43; Gourav Cumar, 33; Nidhi Chander, 37; and Harish Chander, 38. All were of Indian origin, part of an extended family living under one roof in what appeared to be a close-knit household. The shooter, Vijay Kumar, 51, was Meemu Dogra’s husband and the father of the 12-year-old who made the desperate call. Kumar was arrested shortly after the bodies were found, taken into custody near the scene without incident.
Investigators quickly pieced together the sequence of events. The night began with a heated argument between Kumar and his wife, Meemu Dogra, at their home in nearby Atlanta. Rather than resolving the dispute, the couple drove to the Lawrenceville residence where Dogra’s relatives—Cumar and the Chanders—lived alongside the three children. What started as a domestic disagreement escalated fatally once they arrived.
Police described the incident as “domestic-related,” though the exact trigger remains under investigation. Authorities have not released details about the specific nature of the argument, but sources close to the case suggest long-standing family tensions may have played a role. Kumar allegedly opened fire on his wife and the three relatives in a burst of rage, leaving no chance for escape. Amid the chaos of gunfire echoing through the house, the terrified children instinctively fled to a bedroom closet, where they hid in silence, praying not to be discovered.
The 12-year-old, showing remarkable courage under extreme fear, managed to call emergency services from inside the hiding spot. Dispatchers heard the child’s trembling voice reporting shots fired and the sound of crying siblings. When officers entered the home, they found the bodies scattered across rooms, the scene marked by the unmistakable signs of a violent confrontation. Bullet casings littered the floor, and the air still carried the acrid smell of gunpowder.
The three children—Kumar and Dogra’s own child along with two young cousins—were immediately taken into protective custody. They were evaluated at a local hospital and found to have no physical injuries, though the psychological trauma will undoubtedly be profound. Relatives have since stepped in to care for them, shielding them from the media frenzy while they grieve the sudden loss of half their family.
Kumar now faces a litany of serious charges: four counts of malice murder, four counts of felony murder, four counts of aggravated assault, and three counts of first-degree cruelty to children. The cruelty charges stem from the children’s exposure to the violence and the terror they endured while hiding. Prosecutors are building a case that emphasizes the premeditated nature of the act, given Kumar’s decision to arm himself and travel to the relatives’ home.
The Indian community in the Atlanta area has been deeply shaken by the news. The Consulate General of India in Atlanta issued a statement expressing profound grief: “We are deeply grieved by a tragic shooting incident linked to an alleged family dispute, in which an Indian national was among the victims.” Officials confirmed they are providing consular assistance to the bereaved family and monitoring the legal proceedings closely.
Neighbors in the Brook Ivy Court community, typically known for its family-friendly atmosphere and quiet streets, described the family as reserved but friendly. “They kept to themselves, but always waved hello,” one neighbor said. “No one ever imagined something like this could happen here.” The home, a modest two-story residence, now stands cordoned off with yellow police tape, a stark reminder of the violence that unfolded inside.
This tragedy highlights the devastating impact of unchecked domestic disputes, especially when firearms are involved. Experts note that family-related violence often escalates rapidly, and children caught in the crossfire suffer lifelong consequences even if they escape physical harm. Advocates are calling for increased awareness and resources for families in crisis, including better access to conflict resolution services and gun safety measures.
As the investigation continues, authorities are examining phone records, witness statements, and any prior reports of discord within the family. Kumar has not yet entered a plea, and details about his legal representation remain limited. For now, the focus remains on supporting the surviving children, who have lost their mother, father-figure, and extended family members in one catastrophic night.
The Lawrenceville community has rallied with vigils and fundraisers to help the orphaned children rebuild their lives. Flowers, candles, and messages of condolence have been left at the scene, a poignant tribute to the lives cut short and the innocence forever altered. In the midst of this heartbreak, one thing is clear: the bravery of a 12-year-old who refused to stay silent may have saved lives and ensured justice for those lost.
