Sacramento Woman Killed by Stalker Months After Restraining Order: What Protection Really Looks Like

Shalini Thakur, 38, was shot and killed outside a Panera Bread in Sacramento by Rohit Rohit, a man who had stalked and harassed her for more than six months. Thakur had filed a restraining order against him four months before the attack. After the shooting, Rohit led police on a chase that ended in a standoff on Highway 50, where he took his own life.

Restraining order experts, including attorney Dan Olsen, say these orders are effective most of the time and remain an important tool for stalking and domestic violence victims. But they are not a physical barrier. Police still have to respond, and an unstable person set on violence may not be deterred by a court document. Psychotherapist Dr. Natalie Jones notes that danger often escalates right after a victim files.

For anyone in the Sacramento area dealing with stalking, the takeaway is that legal protection is one layer, not the whole plan. Tell people you trust, document incidents, vary your routines, and connect with local victim advocates. If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to a local domestic violence hotline or advocacy center today. What would make you feel safer if you were in this situation?