Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Two Kerala Women Killed in Separate California Incidents; Friend Held
Two women from Kerala died in California on August 28.
They were Ann Mary Mathew and Anjana Hari.
Police found Anjana badly injured after a vehicle struck her in a Milpitas parking area.
Witnesses said a blue SUV left the scene, and police later arrested its driver.
Relatives identified the driver as Anila, who they said knew both women.
Relatives also said Ann had been stabbed inside an apartment.
Police have not confirmed every detail of what happened or explained the motive.
The three women had reportedly celebrated Onam with their families shortly before the deaths.
Indian officials are helping arrange the return of the remains after autopsies and other investigative procedures.
Anjana Hari, 35, and Ann Mary Mathew, 40, died in separate incidents in Milpitas, California, on August 28.
Police responding to a hit-and-run found Anjana severely injured in a parking area; a blue SUV was later traced to a nearby car park.
Relatives allege that Ann was stabbed inside an apartment before Anjana was struck by a vehicle, but police have not publicly confirmed the complete sequence.
A 32-year-old Milpitas woman identified by relatives as Anila, a friend of both victims, was taken into custody.
The deaths are being treated as homicides, while the motive, allegations, charges and repatriation timeline remain under investigation.
- Who
- Ann Mary Mathew and Anjana Hari died; a 32-year-old Milpitas woman identified by relatives as Anila was taken into custody.
- What
- The deaths occurred in separate alleged incidents: Ann was reportedly stabbed, while Anjana was struck by a vehicle.
- When
- The incidents occurred on August 28; the deaths were publicly confirmed on September 1, according to one report.
- Where
- The incidents occurred at or near the Mill Creek Apartments and Dixon Landing Road in Milpitas, California.
- Why
- No motive has been established. Relatives mentioned possible employment-related circumstances, but authorities have not confirmed any connection.
Relatives’ account
Authorities’ position
Alleged sequence of events
Relatives’ account
Information relayed to relatives indicated that Anila allegedly stabbed Ann inside an apartment and later rammed a vehicle into Anjana.
Authorities’ position
Police have not publicly established the complete sequence connecting the two deaths or released detailed allegations.
Possible motive
Relatives’ account
Some relatives said Anila had recently lost her job, while Ann had recently obtained a job and work permit, suggesting employment circumstances might be relevant.
Authorities’ position
Authorities have not confirmed any link between employment or financial difficulties and the deaths; the motive remains unknown.
Relationship and prior gathering
Relatives’ account
Relatives said the three women were friends or familiar with one another, lived in the same apartment complex, and had celebrated Onam together shortly before the deaths.
Authorities’ position
Police have confirmed the custody of a 32-year-old woman and the homicide investigation but have not publicly detailed the relationship or motive.
- Victims
- Anjana Hari, 35, from Mudikkode in Thrissur, and Ann Mary Mathew, 40, from Kesavadasapuram in Thiruvananthapuram
- Incident date
- August 28
- Location
- Mill Creek Apartments and nearby areas in Milpitas, California
- Vehicle
- A blue SUV reportedly left after the hit-and-run and was later found at a nearby car park
- Person in custody
- A 32-year-old Milpitas resident identified by relatives as Anila from Kottayam
- Official classification
- US authorities have classified both deaths as homicides
- Repatriation
- The remains are to be handed to registered funeral homes after autopsies and investigative procedures, but the timing is uncertain
Sources
2 Kerala Women Killed By 'Friend' In US. They Celebrated Onam Together
Two Kerala Women Killed In US By Friend Days After Onam Celebration, Suspect In Custody
California killings: Kerala woman run over, another stabbed to death; mutual friend held
