A shocking double murder that haunted New Jersey for eight years has finally been solved, thanks to a single droplet of blood and a company-issued laptop. In March 2017, Sasikala Narra and her six-year-old son Anish were brutally stabbed in their Maple Shade apartment. The case went cold—until forensic science and relentless investigation led authorities to Nazeer Hameed, a former coworker of the victims’ father. Charged with two counts of first-degree murder, Hameed’s arrest brings hope for justice to a heartbreaking tragedy that has left a community in mourning.
The Brutal Crime Scene and a Father’s Agony
On March 23, 2017, Hanumantha Narra returned home to find his wife and son dead, their apartment covered in blood. His frantic 911 call—“blood everywhere”—echoed the horror of that day. Sasikala and Anish had been stabbed multiple times, with Anish nearly decapitated. The violence shocked the quiet Maple Shade community, and for years, the case remained unsolved.
The Tiny Clue That Changed Everything
Amid the bloodshed, investigators found a single droplet of blood that didn’t belong to the victims. In 2019, DNA analysis revealed it matched a male of Central Asian ancestry. This tiny clue became the key to unlocking the case, leading investigators on a global manhunt.
The Suspect: Nazeer Hameed’s Trail of Deception
Nazeer Hameed, 29 at the time of the murders, worked with Hanumantha Narra as a consultant for Cognizant. He lived in the same apartment complex and had been following Hanumantha for months before the killings. After the murders, Hameed fled to India, evading justice for years.
The Podcast That Reignited the Case
In 2023, a true-crime podcast, Murder in Maple Shade, brought renewed attention to the case. While officials criticized the podcast as “inflammatory,” it spurred investigators to redouble their efforts, using every legal tool to track down Hameed.
The Forensic Breakthrough: A Laptop’s DNA
After years of dead ends, investigators secured a court order for Hameed’s work laptop from Cognizant in 2024. Forensic analysis revealed his DNA on the laptop matched the blood droplet from the crime scene. This breakthrough finally linked Hameed to the murders.
The Arrest and Extradition Battle
Hameed was charged in 2025, but bringing him to justice requires extradition from India. US and Indian authorities are now working through diplomatic channels to ensure Hameed faces trial for his alleged crimes.
Community and Family: A Long-Awaited Step Toward Justice
The Narra family, now living in India, expressed gratitude for the relentless efforts of law enforcement. “It took a long time, but justice can sometimes take time,” said Donald Browne, the family’s attorney. The local Indian community also played a crucial role, supporting investigators throughout the ordeal.
CONCLUSION – 90 words
The double murder solved after eight years is a testament to the power of forensic science and perseverance. For the Narra family and the Maple Shade community, the arrest of Nazeer Hameed brings a measure of closure to a heartbreaking chapter. As the extradition process unfolds, the world watches, hoping that justice will finally be served for Sasikala and Anish. Their story is a reminder that even the coldest cases can be cracked—and that no crime is ever truly forgotten.
