California: A cloud of mystery surrounds the tragic demise of a Malayali family in California. Initially, it was reported that Anand Sujith Henry, along with his wife Alice Priyanka Benziger and their twin children, Noha and Nathan, had succumbed to suspected gas poisoning. However, recent developments contradict the earlier accounts. According to the latest information, the San Mateo police have informed the media that the couple were shot dead in the bathroom of their house. Cops recovered a 9 MM pistol from the scene.

According to the police version, the kids were found dead in the bedroom. However, the cause of death has not been ascertained yet. 

As per the press release issued by the police on Tuesday, the family was found dead at their residence in Alameda de las Pulgas around 9: 13 AM (IST) on Monday. The cops entered the house through an open window after the door was found to be locked. However inside the house there weren't any signs of a potential scuffle/struggle. 

The Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) has taken up an investigation.

The family hailed from Kollam in Kerala. Anand is son of Dr G Henry, a former principal at the Kollam Fathima Matha College.

It was initially reported that the family had lost their lives by breathing poisonous gas from the heater. Anand, who was an employee at Google, had recently quit his job to set up a startup company. Alice worked as a senior analyst.   

The family migrated to America six years ago. They have not visited Kerala ever since then. Juliet, mother of Alice, who was staying with the family had just returned to India on Sunday from the US.

Juliet had made her last call to Alice when she landed in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday early morning. Post this, her daughter and family no longer responded to her phone calls. 

Upon hearing the news, Anand’s friends in California went to his house to find out what had exactly happened. But the house was locked. They quickly informed the police. The cops entered the house and found the inmates dead.