AI searches expose suspect in triple murder

A 25-year-old technology professional allegedly searched for ways to attack people using artificial intelligence (AI) before the June 22 triple murder in Bengaluru’s KR Puram, police said.

According to investigators, multiple AI-related searches were found on J Kenneth’s laptop. The searches included questions about attacking people with a kitchen knife, using vinegar and chilli powder to blind someone, breaking the knees of three people and overpowering three intruders.

Police also said Kenneth had separately searched for lethal weapons that could be used to kill people. He had also searched for ways to deal with repeated calls from a bank over a friend’s loan and how to declare bankruptcy.

Investigators said the searches were significant because they were made before Kenneth allegedly killed the parents and sister of his live-in partner, Shweta, on June 22.

A senior police officer said Kenneth appeared to regularly communicate with AI and use it almost like a friend. However, police have not yet determined how the AI responded to his questions. Investigators reportedly found the searches through questions appearing in Google’s drop-down suggestions while examining his laptop and other devices.

A bottle containing vinegar and chilli powder was also recovered from the crime scene. Whitefield Division DCP Syedulu Adavath said it had been sent to a forensic science laboratory for examination.

According to the 2,085-page chargesheet submitted to the city court, financial pressure and disputes over Shweta’s finances were central to the alleged motive.

Police said Shweta, also a technology professional, had taken loans totalling around Tk52 lakh within a year to support Kenneth. The loans included a Tk30 lakh business loan, personal loans of Tk8 lakh and Tk6 lakh from two banks, and another Tk8 lakh borrowed from friends, relatives, classmates and colleagues.

After Shweta failed to repay the instalments, the bank that provided the business loan sent a notice to her parents’ home. Her parents then learned that she had borrowed a large amount of money to support Kenneth.

This led to a dispute between Shweta and her parents. Her father, Somsundar, later questioned Kenneth about the money and the loan notice sent to the family.

Police alleged that the dispute escalated at a flat in the Sai Green apartment complex in Seegehalli on the night of June 22. Kenneth allegedly attacked Somsundar, 55, his wife Muthulakshmi, 50, and their 20-year-old daughter Supriya.

Despite sustaining multiple injuries, Somsundar managed to reach the staircase, where he told security guards and others that Kenneth was attacking his wife and daughter. He was taken to a private hospital but later died.

Muthulakshmi and Supriya also sustained multiple stab wounds and later died.

According to the chargesheet, Shweta told the court that she witnessed Kenneth attacking her parents and sister.