Kidnapped Indian-Origin Family Found Dead In Orchard In California: Officials

Notably, no ransom demands were made by the kidnapper but the sheriff has said he believes it was a financially motivated crime

Four-member Sikh family, including an eight-month-old child who were kidnapped in the US state of California earlier this week were found dead by sheriff of Merced County on Wednesday, reported news agency PTI. The bodies were found in a Merced County orchard, according to Sheriff Vern Warnke.

A farm worker near the orchard found the bodies and immediately contacted authorities, said Warnke. All of the bodies were found close together, reported PTI.

While making the announcement at a press conference on Wednesday evening Warnke said, "There are no words to describe the anger I feel." 

"There's a special place in hell for this guy," he said about Jesus Manuel Salgado, the suspect, who attempted to kill himself, reported PTI.

Notably, no ransom demands were made by the kidnapper but the sheriff has said he believes it was a financially motivated crime, an AP report stated.

Earlier on Wednesday, the authorities released surveillance video of a man kidnapping 8-month-old Aroohi Dheri, her parents and uncle from their business in Merced in the San Joaquin Valley southeast of San Francisco.

In the video released, Jasdeep and Amandeep Singh can be seen coming out of the business with their hands zip-tied together. The kidnapper is then seen leading Jasleen and her 8-month-old baby, Aroohi, out of the building into a truck, reported PTI.

The accused was arrested on Tuesday afternoon and remains in the hospital in critical condition after he tried to kill himself.

The family hails from Harsi Pind in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, and was identified as 8-month-old Aroohi Dheri, her 27-year-old mother Jasleen Kaur, her 36-year-old father Jasdeep Singh, and her 39-year-old uncle Amandeep Singh.

(With input from agencies)