{
  "id": 4536858,
  "title": "Two Malayali women killed in California; friend detained",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/two-malayali-women-killed-in-california-friend-detained",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-30T18:19:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/two-malayali-women-killed-in-california-friend-detained/articleshow/133634534.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two Malayali women were tragically killed in California by a mutual friend and neighbor, according to family members. An investigation is currently underway to determine the motive behind the killings.The victims were identified as 35-year-old Anjana from Mudikkode near Mannuthy in Thrissur and 40-year-old Ann Mary Mathew from Kesavadasapuram, Thiruvananthapuram. Both families have alleged that the suspect, Anila, was responsible for the murders.Police in San Jose have detained the suspect and are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. Neighbors have reported that Ann Mary had been living in the US for around ten years and worked as an engineer. Anjana had been teaching in California for nearly six years.The motive behind the killings remains unclear, with family members providing conflicting information. Anjana's cousin Vinod stated that the family has not yet received any information about the motive, while Ann Mary's family had heard rumors of a job-related dispute between Ann Mary and Anila.Jerry Sam Joseph, a neighbor and family friend of Ann Mary, said that the suspect allegedly entered Ann Mary's house and stabbed her. Anjana was reportedly killed after Anila allegedly knocked her down with a car. The murders are believed to have occurred around noon on Friday (US time).Anjana's family in Keralam was informed about the incident on Saturday (Indian time). Ann Mary had been married to Pallathra Jacob, a native of Chingavanam in Kottayam, who is also residing in the US. Anjana's husband, Vijeesh, from Vilangannoor near Peechi, is also employed in the US. Vijayan Vilangannur, Anjana's father-in-law, expressed his distress over the incident and was unable to speak to his son.Virginian authorities are working with the families to facilitate the return of Ann Mary's body to Thiruvananthapuram.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}