WASHINGTON — The man responsible for throwing the punch that left 41-year-old Vivek Taneja dead is still free.
The attack happened on Feb. 2 outside SHŌTŌ, a high-end restaurant on 15th and L Streets, Northwest. Police have been searching for the suspect, who was caught on surveillance video, ever since.
On Thursday afternoon, hundreds of family and friends were at Taneja’s funeral in Virginia to say one last goodbye. Longtime friends and former teachers describe Taneja as a well known, loved and respected man.
“It was devastating that someone so pure and honest is taken out of the world in such a horrific and horrendous manner,” Susan Howard, Taneja's 11th grade English teacher said.
Police say a man punched Taneja following a verbal argument outside the restaurant on 15th Street. Taneja was knocked to the ground and his head hit the concrete. He was in a coma for several days, before passing away from his injuries at the hospital.
Family and friends tell WUSA9 they are frustrated the man who killed Taneja has not been caught.
“We are angry there hasn’t been any news about it and we are afraid it’s just going to be another death that goes quiet,” said a friend who asked not to be named.
Taneja’s friends have their own theories about who the man in the video is, but police have not confirmed anything.
The investigation into this case is active and ongoing.
Anyone with more information is encouraged to call police at at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department's text tip line at 50411.
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