Just over a week ago, Mahato was gunned down in his off-campus apartment near the university.
MORRISVILLE -- On Sunday friends, family, and Duke University officials gathered at a Hindu temple in Morrisville to pay their respects to Abhijit Mahato.
“He was interested in developing relationships with other very bright students all over the world,” said Tod Laursen, Duke professor. “He was interested in the way he would grow.”
At the prayer service, Mahato's friend Rinku Majumder was still trying to get past the memory of discovering Mahato's body.
“We went inside and we saw his body, with his head lots of blood," said Majumder.
Friends and family gathered to remember Mahato.
Just over a week ago, Mahato was gunned down in his off-campus apartment near the university. Duke police said 19-year-old Stephen Oates shot and killed Mahato during a robbery spree.
“He won't come back no matter what, but at least I want to know why you should kill him,” said Majumder.
At the temple some people couldn't fight the tears
Duke police said 19-year-old Stephen Oates shot and killed Mahato during a robbery spree.
“He always used to tell me to keep laughing, that's it,” said Tanmay Patni, Mahato's friend.
Others at the ceremony were learning to cope with Mahato's death a little better each day.
"We have to cope with it, it’s no other option about that,” said Santanu Gosh, Mahato's friend.
Oates is charged with first-degree murder and robbery in the death of Mahato. Durham police said Oates also faces 15 charges of robbery. Investigators believe his crimes stretch back several months. Oates remains behind bars and has been denied bond.