Newcastle (Washington) / Mysuru: In a deeply disturbing incident that has shocked both the tech world and local communities in India and the U.S., a Mysuru-based entrepreneur allegedly shot and killed his wife and one of their sons before turning the gun on himself at their residence in Newcastle, Washington.
The couple’s younger son, aged seven, survived, having stepped out of the house shortly before the tragedy unfolded.
The accused, Harsha Kikkeri (57)—also known as Harshavardhan—was the founder and CEO of HoloWorld, a Mysuru-based robotics company. His wife Shwetha and one of their sons were found dead at the scene along with Harsha, according to the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO). Authorities responded to a 911 call at a townhouse in the 7000 block of 129th Street on Thursday night (U.S. time). Upon arrival, deputies found three bodies and confirmed that the scene posed no further threat to public safety.
While investigators are treating it as a murder-suicide, the exact motive remains unknown. The King County Medical Examiner’s Office has yet to release the names or ages of the deceased children. The case remains under active investigation.
A Life of Innovation and Ambition
Hailing from Kikkeri village in Karnataka’s Mandya district, Harsha was an engineering graduate from Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE), Mysuru. He went on to work with Microsoft in the United States, where he was involved in cutting-edge robotics development.
In 2017, Harsha and Shwetha returned to India and co-founded HoloWorld, a robotics startup that soon made headlines for its product HoloSuit—a bi-directional, wireless full-body motion capture suit. Touted as the world’s first of its kind at an affordable price, the suit was designed for applications across healthcare, sports, education, and skill development.
HoloWorld's products were exported to multiple countries, including the US, UK, and Israel. Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh served as the brand ambassador. Harsha even met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss deploying robotic soldiers along India's borders. As a respected member of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) network, he frequently spoke at tech and innovation forums.
Despite his professional achievements, the recent tragedy has left many in the tech and entrepreneurial communities grappling for answers.
Community in Mourning
Neighbours in the Newcastle suburb described the family as kind, quiet, and largely private.
“We would exchange greetings. I often saw the mother walking her children to school—she was very warm,” said Alex Gumina, President of the local Homeowners Association.
Another neighbour recalled, “She was always smiling, and her younger son was especially affectionate. We’re devastated—this is unimaginable.”
Residents are planning a community gathering over the weekend to honor the family and support the surviving child.
Business Winds Down After Pandemic
HoloWorld’s corporate headquarters in India was located in Vijayanagar Third Stage, Mysuru, specifically housing its division HoloEducation. The company operated actively from 2018 until it scaled down in 2022 amid the pandemic. The premises have since remained vacant.
“I haven’t been in touch with them in years,” said the building owner. “They shut down during COVID, and I only heard about the tragedy yesterday.”
The incident has sent shockwaves through Mysuru’s business circles. Bhaskar Kalale, Chairman of EqualizeRCM India and President of TiE Mysuru Chapter, expressed deep condolences, calling the event “heartbreaking beyond words.”
Comments
Those killed Harish Poojari get bail and CBI find out the voice that terrorist Butta also free from jail.
those who did not killed anyone until now, they are in jail. Big tragedy in judicial system.
May Allah help those innocent, who suffering in jail, without any charge and punish those who criminal free from jail.
Mr Rafique , discussing about conversion is unwarranted here . comment on subject .
ISIS is biggest conspiracy of vested interests to malign islam , anti muslims are more feared spread of islamic idealogy through out the world.
Latest propaganda and arrests are part of that conspiracy in India also.
Insha Allah , Islam will overplay all conspiracies, as Al Qaida conspiracy calm down..
if you are a christain at home.....why there is always effort from your religion for foreceful conversion outside ?
And if you are a congress supporter or not I am not bothered. bcos all political parties are alike...
i cant believe, what the hell is happening in mangalore, look at him he cant hold one ice candy in his hand, and planned to carry big big bombs,
whether u partly agree or not , it is upto u ..
We all know which religion is creating more problem in the world. as per new records 467 out of 469 suicide bombings linked to your faith . it means something is really wrong and it has to be fixed and addressed and In india, we dont see your community integrated with rest of the population (may be 5% integration ), when they are alienated , this type of things do happen . Radical islam has to be blamed .Being a proud christians we say , we are proud Indians first and then we are christian at home . this concept will you accept ? certainly not. you people still in denial mode in this case , so what message are you giving it for the whole society? I am also a supporter of congress and i dont feel anything wrong in ITS action .
Partly agree with George.....
Keep aside religion - punish the anti National, irrespective of religion/caste. But we have concerns when people start targeting whole Muslim community,and painting in same brush as culprits.
i dont agree with muslims in this forum ... these guys working against India . so they need to have capital punishment . BJP is not targeting minorities , if it was it would not have arrested Hindu army and airforce guys who collaborated with ISI ... So I would say .. shoot to kill is the only solution for this menace . ISIS rogues are targeting youngsters .,when 100's of christaian terrorists were caught by agencies , particularly north east ... christian community didnot object it as it national cause nothing to do with religion .. so keep aside religion and think as indian
India has Supporters who like ISIS ideology like the one who was caught in Bangalore.
ISIS threatens #Bangalore Police after Mehdi’s arrest, warns of revenge
Bangalore ISIS is using IP addresses the UK sold to Saudi Arabia
Bangalore ISIS builts its own encrypted Android messaging app
Bangalore was amongst the safest area in India. Now, be it today's suspicious objects at Cauvery theater junction or ISIS's Shami Witness.
Viren.....looks like you are also victim of casteism.
As we all know even now there is widespread discrimination against Dalits..backward classes amongst majority community
so dont rejoice.....it may boomerang
In fact techie help stop people from joining ISIS
Nazmul Huda was encouraging youngsters to join a isis.
Karnataka turning into d safest place for Terrorists wake-up sidd
ATS arrested Najmul Hudha(25yrs) n Syed Hussain(25yrs) #ISIS terrorists in Mangalore n Tumkur. Central Govt. is targeting minorities.
All brilliant students from Muslim and Dalit community are being targeted by Sanghis and pro Sangh cops with the help of ISIS.
A good news finally. Subject them to rigorous interrogation and torture them until they speak out the truth.
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