The Killeen Police Department in Texas is investigating the death of 25-year-old Sgt. Sunil Thapa, according to the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division.
“The lead agency for this investigation is the Killeen Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division,” the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division told NepYork. “The Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division is continuing to assist the Killeen Police Department in their investigation into the tragic death of Sgt. Sunil Thapa.”
Earlier, a spokesperson for the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hood’s 1st Cavalry Division told NepYork that Thapa’s death did not occur in the barracks or on base, and was not related to any training accident. This statement contradicts earlier reports suggesting Thapa was fatally shot in the head during a military training exercise in Texas.
“Sgt. Sunil Thapa was an Infantryman assigned to the 3rd Cavalry Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas. His death occurred off-post and was not related to a training accident,” the spokesperson said. “Because the matter occurred off-post, all further inquiries regarding the circumstances or the investigation must be directed to the Killeen, TX Police Department and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division.”
As of publication, Killeen police have not released additional details about the case. The 1st Cavalry Division spokesperson said soldiers and leadership of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment extend their condolences to Thapa’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
Father Raises Concerns
Thapa’s father, Hem Thapa, publicly expressed concern over his son’s death in an emotional TikTok video posted Wednesday, prompting Khasokhas to seek clarification from military officials.
Speaking in Nepali, Hem Thapa said he believes “something is wrong” with the circumstances surrounding his son’s death, though he stopped short of accusing anyone directly.
“My son did not die just like that. Something is wrong. Someone is involved in his death,” he said in the video. “I have not seen or known the facts, and we will not know until the official report comes out. I am not blaming anyone, but as a father, my conscience tells me something is wrong.”
According to the family, Sunil Thapa died on June 29 after being shot in the head, just three days before his 26th birthday.
Funeral and Family Situation
Thapa’s funeral was held on July 13 at a funeral home in Wantagh, New York, where family members, friends, and community leaders gathered to mourn alongside his parents, Hem and Maya Thapa.
Following the service, his remains were taken for cremation, and he was honored with military rites—including the playing of “Taps” and a formal salute—at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale.
Family sources said Sgt. Thapa had recently been promoted. Relatives said military officials met with the family in New York but provided limited details. Hem Thapa told Khasokhas that authorities indicated the formal investigation could take up to nine months.
The family said they have not yet received an official death certificate, notification report, or other formal documentation related to the death.
Hem and Maya Thapa are known in the local Nepali community as the founders of the nonprofit Hemmaya Foundation.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
