Father of SC man charged in killings also arrested

FLORENCE, S.C. (AP) — Authorities have filed murder charges against the father of a Florence man who was charged in June with killing his wife and her mother.

Florence County deputies said Thursday that investigators have gathered evidence that places 55-year-old Ranjit Kalabhai at the scene around the time the women were killed on June 25.

Authorities say 31-year-old Punam Gopaldas and her 56-year-old mother, Vinaben Patel, were stabbed numerous times.

Investigators arrested Gopaldas’ estranged husband, Hiralkumar three days later. Prosecutors say the couple was going through a divorce and their 2-year-old son was found lying next to his dead mother.

Hiralkumar Gopaldas’ attorney says he was working at a hotel when the women died.

Kalabhai and his son are being held without bond. It wasn’t clear if Kalabhai had an attorney.