[ Golden Gater Online - September 18, 1997 ]
Staff writer
In an effort to assist in the capture of former SF State student Farsima Sepehri-Fard's suspected killer, about 25 members of the Persian Student Organization gathered Wednesday to launch a media-based fund-raising effort.
"Since we weren't there to help her then, we're here to support her now," said an officer of the organization.
Members of the PSO withheld their names for fear of retaliation from the suspected killer, Hikmat Mouchaourab, 32, who police said might be responsible for the fatal shooting of Sepehri-Fard at a Lucky's supermarket in San Jose Saturday. Friends said the two dated briefly before Sepehri-Fard broke off the relationship last week.
The PSO members are soliciting donations to print fliers, create a web site, fund the investigation for the capture of the suspect and, possibly, post a reward. The group plans also to contact local and statewide television stations, newspapers and Middle Eastern organizations to appeal both for funding and to post the man's picture. Members are not certain of the dollar amount needed, but estimate at least $20,000 to fund these efforts initially.
After shooting her three times in the face, the alleged gunman turned his gun on Robert Pocari, 39, a Lucky's customer who was attempting to dial 911. Pocari was later released from Valley Medical Center in San Jose, police said.
After the shooting, the suspect fled the scene and is now the target of a nationwide manhunt conducted by San Jose police, officials said.
The two had dated for about two months, friends said, when Sepehri-Fard told Mouchaourab she wanted to end the relationship -- that's when the threats started.
"He told her a few days before the shooting, 'now we're not going to be together, we'll die together,' " a close friend of Sepehri-Fard said. "Obviously, he changed his mind about killing himself...it's too bad."
Friends and police believe Mouchaourab might be headed to Canada, where his parents live.
"We don't know where he's going, where he's been," said San Jose police Sgt. Ernesto Alcantar. "If anyone sees him we are asking them to contact us."
An earlier report that placed Mouchaourab in a red Cheverolet Corsica was false, Alcantar said. He added that police have no new leads as to the suspect's whereabouts, although they fear Mouchaourab could be headed to Canada where his parents live.
San Jose police ask that anyone with information about Mouchaourab's whereabouts contact either San Jose police detective Dave Knopf or Sgt. Alcantar at (408) 277-5283.
[ Golden Gater - September 18, 1997 ]