Timeline: The kidnapping and murder of Tushar Atre

Who would target the 50-year-old tech executive-turned-cannabis entrepreneur and would surveillance video help investigators crack the case?

An entrepreneur & adventurer

Tushar Atre was living near the beach in Santa Cruz, California. Friends say he loved adventure and especially surfing. 

Oct. 1, 2019: Mysterious surveillance video

A neighbor’s surveillance cameras captured three individuals walking out of an alley on Pleasure Point Drive in Santa Cruz, California, at 2:48 a.m. Investigators say they are seen heading toward Tushar Atre’s residence.

A commotion in the middle of the night

Tushar Atre was at home asleep around 3 a.m. when employees who were staying with him heard loud noises and banging. One house guest heard two unidentified male voices. They were asking about a safe. The guest then heard the commotion move outside and the sound of cars driving away. A 911 call was made at 3:34 a.m.

No sign of forced entry

Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s officers responded to Tushar’s residence within 10 minutes. They found no sign of forced entry.

No sign of ransacking

Investigators took photos of Tushar’s home which they say did not appear ransacked.

A safe full of cash

Investigators say Tushar Atre had $80,000 in his bedroom safe. But they say the suspects did not get the safe open. 

Blood in the street

Investigators found blood in the middle of the street. A white BMW SUV that belonged to Tushar Atre’s girlfriend Rachael Emerlye was missing from his driveway.

Authorities find the white BMW  

About six hours later, in the Santa Cruz mountains where Tushar had his cannabis farm, investigators found the missing BMW.     

Tushar Atre’s body found

About 20 to 30 yards away from the SUV investigators found Tushar Atre’s body. He’d been fatally shot and stabbed.   

Victim’s hands bound

Investigators say Atre’s hands were bound with flex-ties.     

Tushar fought for his life

Neighborhood surveillance cameras captured video showing Tushar running down the street, with his hands tied behind his back, attempting to escape his attackers. Investigators say he was then tackled to the ground and stabbed repeatedly. 

SUV processed for evidence

Investigators ruled out Rachael Emerlye as a suspect early on. She was out of town at the time of Tushar’s kidnapping and murder. Her SUV was examined for DNA and fingerprints.     

Nov. 13, 2019: The suspects brought an assault rifle

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office released a portion of surveillance video showing three unidentified suspects. Investigators say one of the suspects appeared to be carrying an assault rifle.

Dec. 4, 2019: Alleged unresolved issues

Detectives went to Las Vegas to interview two of Tushar Atre’s former employees – Kaleb Charters and Stephen Lindsay. They admitted having had a dispute with Tushar over being paid. When they were shown the surveillance video of the three figures near Tushar’s house, Lindsay denied knowing the three shadowy figures, and both men denied returning to Santa Cruz after they stopped working for him.  

Jan. 29, 2020: Justice for Tushar Atre

After nearly four months with no apparent leads, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office announced a $200,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.  

More surveillance video

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office identified a blue sedan on additional surveillance video. The video also showed the white BMW SUV. Soon authorities were able to map out the suspects’ possible route.

May 19, 2020: Suspects arrested

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office arrested Stephen Lindsay, Kurtis Charters, Kaleb Charters and Joshua Camps. All four were charged with murder, kidnapping, and robbery. They have all pleaded not guilty.    

The four men were all found guilty in separate trials. They were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.