Anita Pandey Adhikari, the heartbroken mother of 21-year-old Nepali student Muna Pandey, who was tragically murdered in Houston, Texas, has made an emotional plea for justice and support from the Nepali community in the United States.
Muna, who had moved to the U.S. in 2021 for her graduate studies, was brought up by her mother, Anita, who raised her alone after being abandoned by her husband. “I raised Muna alone, through so much struggle and hardship,” said Anita, her voice heavy with grief. “I endured everything for her, and now my world is shattered.”
Anita described her daughter as a brave and dedicated student who was always determined to make a better life for both of them. “She used to say, ‘Mom, don’t worry. There’s only one year left. After that, I’ll earn, and everything will be fine.’ She was my only hope, my only world,” Anita recounted tearfully.
Muna, who was pursuing nursing in the U.S., had been living alone in an apartment in Houston after her roommate moved out for work.
Anita last spoke to her daughter four days before the tragic incident. “She went offline for several days, and I couldn’t reach her. I thought maybe she was busy, but I was uneasy. Then, four days later, her friend called me, and that’s when I knew something was wrong,” Anita recalled.
The devastating news of Muna’s death has left Anita shattered and desperate for answers. “What did God do? What is my sin? Which killer took my daughter away from me? I want the murderer to be found,” she pleaded.
Anita also expressed her desire to go to Houston to see her daughter’s body and understand the circumstances surrounding her death. However, she is facing financial difficulties and has asked for help from the Nepali community in the U.S. “I want to go to the place where the incident happened, to understand everything in detail. But my financial situation is very weak. Please help me,” she implored.
As Anita waits for answers and justice, she remains determined to honor her daughter’s memory and ensure that the person responsible for her death is brought to justice. “She was my only child, my world. Now, for Muna’s justice, the murderer must be found,” she concluded.
GofundMe Campaign Launched to Support Muna Pandey’s Funeral
In response to the tragic death of Muna Pandey, a 21-year-old Nepali student, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated by Rina Thapa. The campaign aims to raise $25,000 to cover funeral expenses and bring Muna’s mother, Anita, to the United States for the final rites.
The campaign, titled “Help for the Funeral of Nepali Student Muna Pandey, 21, Who Was Shot to Death in Her Houston Apartment,” shares a heartfelt appeal.
The GoFundMe page emphasizes the deep bond between Muna and her mother, highlighting Anita’s devastation at being unable to be with her daughter in her final moments. The funds raised will be used to cover funeral costs and facilitate Anita’s travel to Houston.
“This is a time of unimaginable grief for Anita,” the campaign states, urging the community to support Anita during this difficult period. Contributions will help ease the financial burden and allow Anita to be present for her daughter’s final journey. The campaign calls for donations to honor Muna’s life and support her mother in this moment of profound sorrow.
If you would like to contribute, please donate here.
Houston Police Release Suspect Photo, Seek Public Assistance
Meanwhile, Houston police have released a photo of the suspect involved in the fatal shooting of Muna Pandey. The suspect’s identity remains unknown.
The CCTV footage shows the suspect arriving at the scene at 9:48 PM on Saturday, August 24. Despite the release of the photo, the suspect has not been apprehended, and the police are still investigating the situation. The suspect is not the American youth with whom Muna was reportedly in a relationship.
Muna was found dead in her Houston apartment on Monday evening. Responding to a call at 5:35 PM, police discovered her with fatal gunshot wounds. The incident occurred on West Airport Boulevard. The body has been sent for an autopsy, and no arrests have been made.
Houston police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect. “Further investigation identified the male in the photo as a suspect in this case. At this time, his identity and whereabouts are unknown,” said the police.
Anyone with information on the unidentified suspect or in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
Originally from Bhojpur, Nepal, Muna had been studying at Houston Community College since 2021. Her phone had reportedly been switched off since Saturday, leading to suspicions that the incident may have occurred over the weekend. Police stated that no weapon was found at the scene, and they have yet to determine a motive.
Additional Reporting by Suresh Shahi and Kishor Panthi from New York.
Dipendra Dhungana
View More PostsDipendra Dhungana is a journalist based in Kathmandu with over a decade of experience in photojournalism. He currently works for Nepal’s national daily newspaper, Naya Patrika Daily. His work has been featured in numerous national and international outlets, showcasing the stories and resilience of the Nepali people. He is also a contributing journalist for NepYork.
