E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSView more videos at: http://nbcbayarea.com.
A 22-year-old woman has been charged in connection with the high profile death of a 66-year-old millionaire who was tied up and then killed at his sprawling villa in Monte Sereno, Calif., last month.
The woman, Ravel Chanel Dixon, was arrested Tuesday for a separate crime – offering sex, drugs or money to an undercover cop. On Friday, Dixon, of Alameda County, Calif., was charged with “accessory after the fact” in the Nov. 30 killings of Raveesh Kumra, an investor who owned Western Cellular Management. Kumra is best known for owning Mountain Winery in the 1990s.
Police released a statement Friday saying they do not believe the homicide was a random act of violence.
Read the original report at NBC Bay Area
Dixon’s charges carry a gang-enhancement, although prosecutors did not elaborate on what that meant. Her bail was set at $1 million at Friday’s court hearing.
Her mother, Sandra Mitchell, said outside court that her daughter, a single parent and college student, is scared. Mitchell called the charges "very troublesome."
John Ambrosio, Dixon's attorney, added: "We don't know how they came up with these serious charges. It's an out-of-the-blue charge. They just want someone to charge that homicide to."
Dixon did not enter a plea and was told to return to court on Jan. 14.
Kumra's ex-wife, Harinder "Rani" Kumra, was also home and tied up during the attack. She has declined interview requests. The couple had divorced but remained cordial, according to a previous family statement.
Rani Kumra told police she believed perhaps three or four people had entered her family's massive home on Withey Road. She said she and her husband were bound at about 1:30 a.m.
Police have not explained how her husband was killed. Kumra was Mountain View’s first homicide victim in 40 years.
Also unclear is who killed Kumra. Dixon is not being charged with murdering him, and a sketch of a possible suspect in the case was released by Los Gatos-Monte Sereno police shortly after the homicide.
The sketch shows a skinny Latino or white man in his early 20s who stands about six feet and who has black hair.
The release added that department is "aware of the concern and anxiety this crime has caused the community and wishes to provide a limited update of the case."
Kumra's family issued previous statement through email, in which his brother, Bharat Kumra, described his brother as a man who "worked very hard and invested successfully over the years." He stated that his brother's wealth has been "overstated and inaccurate." Kumra had once owned the Mountain Winery in the 1990s and had invested in Tesla Capital.
"While he experienced success during his life, at the time of Ravi's passing he was weathering financial hardship," Bharat Kumra wrote. "He was a generous man and went out of his way to help anyone he met, even when he had little."
Kumra had a minor criminal past in Santa Clara County - he was charged with several misdemeanors and one felony in the 1990s, court records indicate. He was arrested in connection with a felony drunk-driving incident in 1995. In 1998, he was charged with assaulting a security guard at the Mountain Winery and making a threatening phone call to the then-executive director of the Villa Montalvo, an arts foundation.
Kumra was born in Kartharpur, India and immigrated to the U.S. in 1970 after earning a degree in chemical engineering from Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, according to his obituary. He eventually settled in the Bay Area. His family said he was one of the first Indian-born entrepreneurs in the wireless industry.
NBC Bay Area's Damian Trujillo contributed to this report.
Leave a Comment:
Gotta start somewhere.
her daughter, a single parent and college student.....good job mom!
I wonder if she's studying criminal justice, with a minor in money management.
Reporting from the Hall of Justice? Just ask Wonder Woman to throw her lasso around her to get her to tell the truth....just a tought
2little2late-
that's a dumb comment. What did the mom fail at? Keeping her daughter from becoming an single mom or keeping her out of college?
A millionaire who made his wealth exploiting workers who actually made his money is popped off. Who cares?
A druggie wh*re is involved and will pay for it. Who cares?
We the tax payers will pay for it...
I can feel the love Jerry..I wish you could contain your exuberance for your fellow man just a little bit more..
So, the crime got more attention when the victim is a millionaire?
Seem that was the whole point of this article.
It was the boogie man.....
MSNBC
Creating news for all?
"her daughter, a single parent and college student.....good job mom!"
Whats wrong with that? Would you prefer her to be a single mom on welfare? You seem to be judging her for being a single parent when you know nothing about her or how she became a single parent. For all you know her husband died fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan. She is also going to college to better herself and her childrens lifes. So although I'm sure you dind't mean this way but I'd say her mother has done a good job.
"Jerry-1903677
A millionaire who made his wealth exploiting workers who actually made his money is popped off. Who cares?
A druggie wh*re is involved and will pay for it. Who cares?"
How do you know he exploited workers? Or do youthink anyone that owns a business does that? And how do you know she is a druggie whore? Do you know her? If this had happened to you or your family I'm sure you would have cared and believe it or not others care because not every is a careless prick like you.
"SoggyDawg
We the tax payers will pay for it..."
Pay for what? Her prosecution? Of course we will what would you prefer we just let them go to save you money?
Gezzz do you complain just to complain?
Thank you, Blade. I am full of love that another expoiting millionaire has gone poof and a druggie wh*re will be taken off the streets. I love that, because with the removal of two more people like that our fellow man can live a better life.
He was a millionaire. How do you think they make money these days? You think free-enterprise democratic capitalism still exists?
Not everyone, but a good chunk of people. Look at our economy.
Because the story says so.
I wouldn't want to. People like her spread diseases very easily.
Since becoming a druggie wh*re has never happened to any member of my large, extended family, that says a great deal more about my family compared to hers. Or maybe to yours, since you're so defensive. Maybe if you would've stopped being an enabler (or if your family members stopped enabling you), your family wouldn't be dealing with this now. If somebody in your family cared, rather than acting like a d*ck, you wouldn't be wondering how you can get on Dr. Phil.
She must have some important information that the police really want. They'll roll her over on a lesser charge if she can finger the killer.
Agree..she has to have some kind of connection to this murder case..why would the police say this and the court say $1 million for bail?
Of course the article states nothing much..like always..just confusing possibilities.
I bet the killer had fingered her.
123freedom-1227850
"I bet the killer had fingered her."
If she's a ho, probably lots of people have fingered her. :D
I looked up gang-enhancement. It's a California law that says if you are a gang member or if you even associate with a gang member, you can be held even if you are not directly responsible for the crime...
"In its simplest terms, this law states that anyone who commits a felony for the benefit of a gang will receive a mandatory prison sentence in addition and consecutive to the penalty he/she receives for the underlying felony.
"And…depending on the circumstances of the offense…this could mean an additional 5, 10, 15, or even 25-years-to-life in prison…even if you’re not a gang member and even if you aren’t the individual who is actively and directly responsible for committing the underlying felony."
I guess they have reason to believe a gang was involved here, and this young woman was identified...
http://www.shouselaw.com/street-gang.html
This might be a gang job that might implicate the most troubled, naïve and bottom-of-the-rung person in the gang. The real brain and brawn behind these kinds of crime might never be known. I heard that some big cartel groups looking for big money, ransom money or blackmail money are moving to the rich neighborhoods of San Jose. I guess we are going to see more of these crimes.
I guess this family achieved both the American dream and the American nightmare. Congratulations on that!
How come nothing like this ever happens in Washington DC suburbs where the average income is about $700,000...and much of it from government or government contracts?
It is all getting crazy!
.
Dr.Ms,You heard about cartel moving to San Jose so that they can kidnap wealthy people for ransom?Exactly where did you hear this?I'm sure that the FBI would like to talk to you.
I do not know where you get your information from, but it obviously not a reputable news source. I have lived in the DC area on and off for the last 20 years and I can tell you that the average income is no where near $700,000. The median household income in the DC metro area was listed as $84,523 in 2010 census data. This number, however must be looked at in terms of the cost of living in the area where the median home price was $325,400. This compares to national numbers of $166,200 median home price with a national median household income of $50,046. Also, keep in mind these numbers are household, not individual income and in the DC metro area many households have more than one person working. This means that overall, the affordability of housing in the DC metro area is worse than the national median at 3.85 times income versus 3.32 time income nationally for single family homes. It is hard to find numbers for renters except that numerous sources say that in the DC metro renters pay the highest percentage of their income in rent of any metropolitan area in the country. In any case, the median income in the DC metro area is no where near the $700,000 figure you cited.
As for the idea that cartels are moving into rich neighborhoods like San Jose so they can kidnap rich people for ransom, I could not find any statistics on kidnappings that would support that conjecture in any way.
Incorrect info in this paragraph:
Police have not explained how her husband was killed. Kumra was Mountain View’s first homicide victim in 40 years.
Replace Mountain View by "Monte Sereno".
This wonderful daughter was arrested for selling sex charge. Her mother must be proud.
An Indian born, with a felony in USA becomes a success. Only in USA.
Wife was tied up but not killed. Interesting.
Gee does anyone think this might had something to do with illegal activity?
Well at least he wasn't killed with an assault rifle
We hope. Ban binding!
His felony was a DUI. Not a violent or drug related crime. He was already a success when he got the DUI. His past criminal history is not important information in this article and really should not have been mentioned because it takes away from the information completely. It seems much more logical that this girl (a prostitute) had been to the house before, mentioned all the wealth and riches that could be had from this older single man's property and some idiot planned a robbery. When they got there and he had company the plan had to be changed a bit to include someone that was not expected.
Had this guy been an average Joe we wouldn't have even heard about this.
Only if he'd been killed by a "semiautomatic assault rifle" with a big "clip".
There is very few reasons to kill someone and Money is not one.
Would you care to name a couple?
I think money is the #1 reason for most killings.
Midnight does the word "Bitch" ring a bell ?
Really? was it love?
its about time these frigging pukes get what is coming to them. they come to the states and think they can do this @!$%#. time to go to jail
What are you talking about?This guy was an american citizen,a successful one and was murdered by American gang banger's.
Just a cleaning lady-
This girl wasn't a gang banger and she appears to be mixed race black. The men they are looking for are white or latin. There are no interracial gangs in Cali.
The gang tag was added to put the squeeze in this girl.
free747,I live in California and was going by what the article stated.she may not be a gang banger but her cohort could possibly be gang banger's.She may have been the one to set this guy up.
"There are no interracial gangs in California."
Another expert has spoken. Have you ever been to California? It's a huge melting pot. Criminals come in all different colors. And if a group of them is working together on multiple crimes that constitutes a gang.
And yet the millionaire in CA who's girlfriend was hanging from his balcony nude with her hands tied behind her back is free.
I thought the same thing. If this rich guy had hung this mixed race, single mom from his balcony, he'd be free too.
Mama has a real gift for understatement.
Not much of a gift for grammar, though. I believe what she meant is "very troubling."
vh
Warren Ohio
this wouldn't have happened if he had an armed guard................#gunidiots!
The guard was doing the girl!
Alex. The town had no serious crime issues and no murders in 40 years. Why would you have armed guards? Someone picked him out because he had a fancy house and then maybe found out he was going broke. They also could have been hired by someone to kill him. Interesting that his wife is still alive. Why kill him and not the wife also?
Yep. Maybe wifey-poo had him offed so she could get what was left of his candy. Had them tie her up to try to make her look like an innocent victim.
It is unacceptable to me for people to go into any person's business or residence and kill them just because they perceive them to be wealthy.this gil was arrested as an accessory and she will be giving out names so that she can broker a lessor sentence.The detectives won't have to work up a sweat to try and figure out who done it and lickety split we will have another college grad felon running loose on our streets.
22 + 66 + $ = DOA
Yep. He should've have known how she would have viewed him. Recipe for disaster.
Give her 30 years then her kid may be save from a life of drugs and her mother selling her for sex
Typical response when the female involved is not blond and or blue eyed.
Don't worry, they'll lock her up for you. And her kid won't be a threat to anyone! She is not a rich woman with an arsenal of guns in her house.
BTW- do you know if the child is a "her"?
Did you read that the young woman was arrested "for a separate crime – offering sex, drugs or money to an undercover cop."
SHE OFFERED A COP SEX, DRUGS, OR MONEY! FOR WHAT? SEX, DRUGS OR MONEY?! Why offer to give a man sex OR drugs OR money?! Something is off about her arrest.
{Stop with the ghetto, crack h*o selling her baby for for drugs and money- crap! You people spin that wild tale everytime you see a brown face}
Free747 - Simple, she tried to bribe the office with sex, drugs or money.
THE GIRL OFFERED SEX, DRUGS, OR MONEY TO! TO!!!! A COP?!!!
She was arrested for trying to GIVE those things to an undercover cop.....in a sting operation that is "unrelated" to this case?!
1. the charge is for all three but she probably was offering one, like sex, or drugs, it not all three thats just the law they used. Duh
2. What are you looking for a conspiracy? Maybe he picked her up for breaking the law (see #1) and then found out she was wanted. (it happens all the time) noth9ig special to see, move along
3. Are you really that dumb? I'm guessing she was hooking or sell dupe FOR MONEY not protection. lol If you want protection from the cops just tell them why you don't have to offer them sex or drugs BECAUSE THAT'S AGAINST THE LAW! DUH
4. LOL a gang will hang with a hooker/whore they like sex also. Duh
5. Just has much as any other RANDOM crime. You decide to rob a rich person then go looking. An obviously someone took her there as she isn't the one charged with the murder (although I guess she could have driven someone else there too). So It stands to reason the murderer or herself took her there Duh again.
6. She isn't "saying nothing" she just isn't saying it to the public. There is a difference. Again DUH!
7. Repeat after me Duh Duh DUh Duh. lol
Now with that said I'm sure the cops took a very close look at his wife and probably still is because why would they tie them both up and then just kill one?
I would love to dip my dong in cat litter and backdoor this hottie! Her mom too. Cuties!
The only two response from white guys in a case involving a black or mixed girl.
1) "Sterilize her!Fry her! Take away her kid!"
2)" I'd hit that.....but I'd double bag it first!"
Where is Ravel Chanels father?
I sure he is still alive. Most of them are. He had is fun with the pretty latina mom (how old was she when she had this 22 year old?) and now he's watching his pretty daughter get set up and put away....on TV.
How do they do it? Time after time, they see pics of their kids in TV as either murder victims or perps and they just watch it like everybody else.
free47,I do not judge people on their race.I don't care that she is mixed nor do I care what race the murderers are.Bottom line is a man is dead and this girls was somehow involved.It is a sad reflection on society when many young people growing up do not have both parents in their lives.It is sorrowful that these single mom's have children first and then try to get an education.
good to see money doesn't buy happiness, just death. i just hope he was a big fan of gun control cause it shows everyone who cares how it does not work
Bet he was one of them stupid fukkers that thought the cops will be there in an instant when needed. I don't need a gun...not.
If he'd had a gun his ass would still be alive.
sounds guilty to me...I'm not buying the sob story.
feel sorry for her?? I dont ******** think so. She needs to get that feel sorry for me look off her face and really face reality. Shes done for.......
free747....how do you know this man who you have dubbed the absent father was ever made aware of the young ladys birth.... you sound so dumb....where were the fathers to all the crimes the white guys pull off in these mass shootings????? there in the home and these people all seem to have money....so exactly what is your point? rich, poor, no race different a crime is a crime.....i get so tiered of people want to talk about race when a person of color does something.....the things the cops say she did does not add up..........seems to me a lot of other smart people reading the article pick these strange things up except you.....the cops always spend so much time on the framing the little guy..........
The gun Idiots is yapping off on something they don't knbow anything about. You have no way of knowing whether he owned a gun or not and just happened to be too busy playing with that pretty young gal to haver it available. You morons think everyone should be armed thats like saying that if there was more cars there would be less accidents so you think that there was more guns there would be no more killings and gun accidents don't you that proves how crazy the NRA is.
Did you forget to take your meds again Clayton?