Lesley Wiete: Last News

The suspect accused of killing his roommate at Purdue University claimed he had been "blackmailed" on Friday during his first court appearance.  In a video, speaking to reporters, 22-year-old Ji Min "Jimmy" Sha said he was "very sorry" when asked if he had a message for the family of the victim, 20-year-old Varun Manish Chheda.  Sha is facing a preliminary charge of murder.  According to court documents, he was granted a 72-hour continuance in his case inside the Tippecanoe County Jail’s magistrate court.  Fox 59 said that while court documents filed against Sha Friday give more insight into the death of Chheda, they provide little insight into his motive. Ji Min Sha, 22, was identified as the suspect by Purdue Police Chief Lesley Wiete during a press conference.

A memorial was held Wednesday night for slain Purdue University student Varun Manish Chheda.  Fox 59 reported that hundreds attended a candlelight vigil in the 20-year-old's honor near the Unfinished Block P statue on campus.  Pictures posted to social media showed cards and flowers at the base of the statue, which The Purdue Arboretum notes is in honor of students who have died while attending the university as well as symbolizes that all students, alumni, community members and friends of Purdue University are a work in progress and will never be completely finished growing and learning.  The Indianapolis native was killed in an incident inside his McCutcheon Hall dorm room.  General view of Purdue Boilermakers campus before the game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ross-Ade Stadium on Sept. 26, 2015 in West Lafayette, Indiana.  ((Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)) Ji Min Sha, the 22-year-old suspect accused of killing Chheda, was taken into custody and preliminarily charged with murder on Wednesday after university officials said he made a 911 call at 12:44 a.m.

The suspect accused of killing 20-year-old Purdue University student Varun Manish Chheda said "I love my family" before entering jail on Wednesday after being charged with murder. Ji Min Sha, 22, was identified as the suspect and made a 911 call at 12:44 a.m.

A 22-year-old Purdue University student is facing murder charges after his alleged involvement with his roommate’s death.

The Purdue University student who was killed in his dorm room died of "multiple sharp force traumatic injuries," according to the coroner. Varun Manish Chheda, 20, was found dead in McCutcheon Hall on Wednesday morning, according to the Tippecanoe County Coroner Office. Ji Min Sha, 22, was identified as the suspect by Purdue Police Chief Lesley Wiete during a press conference.