Sacramento Woman Killed Outside Panera Had Filed Restraining Order Against Her Stalker

Shalini Thakur, 38, was being dropped off at work Wednesday morning at a Sacramento shopping plaza when her long-time stalker confronted her. According to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, she tried to run, but the suspect shot her multiple times and then shot her in the head at close range. The suspect, 22-year-old Rohit Rohit, fled the scene and later killed himself during a standoff with deputies on Highway 50.

The restraining order Thakur filed tells its own story. It documented a year of escalating stalking: the suspect tracked her with an AirTag, deflated her tires, copied her apartment key, and threatened to kill her and himself. He was served with the order on May 19 and violated it in late July. Sheriff Jim Cooper described the killing as an execution and said Flock camera technology helped deputies locate the suspect within seven minutes of the shooting.

If you are experiencing stalking, threats, or harassment, help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is reachable 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233, and Sacramento County offers victim services and advocacy support. Our question for you today: what do you think needs to change so a restraining order actually keeps someone safe? We want to hear from you.