An Indian software engineer working at Amazon has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife in Washington state, with prosecutors alleging he strangled her months after the couple entered into an arranged marriage while pursuing another relationship in India.
Avinash Narne, 30, pleaded not guilty in a King County courtroom to the murder of his 27-year-old wife, Regita Sabineni, who was found dead at the Woodland Commons Apartments in Bellevue in October 2025.
According to investigators, Sabineni died from asphyxia caused by strangulation. Police were called to the apartment after Narne dialed 911, claiming his wife was locked inside the bathroom and was unresponsive. Responding officers found her dead at the scene.
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During the investigation, detectives uncovered evidence that Narne had allegedly been involved in a secret romantic relationship with a woman identified as Maithra in India. Court documents allege that after Sabineni’s death, Narne sent the woman a photograph of his wife’s body. She reportedly responded, “This happened in your dream.”
Investigators also allege that Narne proposed to Maithra with an engagement ring in late 2024, but the marriage did not take place because her parents opposed the relationship. Prosecutors believe Narne married Sabineni through an arranged marriage several months before her death.
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At his latest court appearance, Narne’s attorney asked the judge to prevent cameras from showing his client’s face, arguing that media coverage could influence potential jurors. Judge Nelson Lee rejected the request, saying the defendant’s identity was not in dispute and that the jury selection process would be sufficient to ensure a fair trial.
The court also ordered Narne to surrender his passport and kept his bail set at $5 million as he awaits trial.
If convicted of first-degree murder, Narne could face life in prison under Washington state law.