"For something like this to happen, clearly it concerns all of us."
A US Indian woman was killed while she was out jogging, prompting a murder investigation.
Sarmistha Sen, who was based in Plano, Texas, was out on her regular run on August 1, 2020, when she was randomly attacked and killed near the Chisholm Trail Park.
The 43-year-old’s body was found lying in the creek area near Legacy area and Marchman Way by a passer-by.
Sarmistha, a mother-of-two, was a pharmacist and researcher who studied molecular biology and worked with cancer patients.
According to police, a person of interest has been arrested, who is also suspected of carrying out a burglary nearby.
On August 3, he was identified as 29-year-old Bakari Abiona Moncrief. He is in custody at the Collin County Jail.
He is being held on a $1 million bond for the burglary charge.
At around the same time of the murder, someone broke into a house nearby on the 3400 block of Michael Drive.
Plano Police spokesperson David Tilley said: “We have our suspicions, but we have to have proof.
“And that’s what they’re looking for right now is trying to obtain proof as to whether or not this individual is or is not responsible for her death.”
On the incident, Mr Tilley said: “This is not something we see and definitely something very very random.
“For something like this to happen, clearly it concerns all of us. And we’re very hopeful that this is going to be an isolated incident.”
The US Indian woman used to run the Chisholm Trail nearly every morning. Her family said she went for her regular run and never came back.
The incident has led to an outpouring of grief and support for the family.
Her brother Sumit said: “She just immediately connected with anybody she met on a deeply personal level with a very infectious smile and energy.”
Locals paid tribute to Sarmistha by laying running shoes near the murder site.
Sumit added: “It makes me feel inspired. She’s an inspiration for me.
“It makes me feel grateful to the community for such generous support. Her life is a life full of purpose and it’s not over. Her soul lives on.”
Family friend Mario Major said:
“It touched me. It’s great when I’ve seen hundreds of shoes because you know what, people care.”
“Why would something like this happen to someone who’s such a great human being?”
It is not known how Sarmistha died but police have confirmed that she was not shot.
A memorial run is being planned for August 8. Organisers say they plan to meet at Jack Carter Park and run to the site near Legacy and Marchman.
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