FBI Increases Reward to $1 Million for Capture of Individual Wanted in Connection with 2015 Hanover Murder Allegations

Nearly 11 years after the death of a Hanover business owner, law enforcement officials say the search for the suspect remains active as authorities renew efforts to bring the case to a close.

According to a press release from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s FBI Baltimore Field Office, the reward for information leading to the arrest of Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel, who is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, has been increased to up to $1 million. Officials say the higher reward reflects the standard amount now offered for fugitives placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List, up from the previous $250,000.

Authorities say Patel is wanted for the violent murder of his wife, Palak Patel, on April 12, 2015. He should be considered armed and extremely dangerous, the press release states.

“We hope this $1 million reward attracts greater attention to our tireless search for Bhadreshkumar Patel and leads to tips we need to provide justice for Palak Patel, who was brutally murdered by her husband,” said Jimmy Paul. “The increased reward reflects the seriousness of Patel’s crime and all the cases on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List.”

Patel was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list on April 18, 2017, becoming the 514th person placed on the list.

Investigators say the couple worked the night shift at a Dunkin’ Donuts located at 7657 Arundel Mills Boulevard in Hanover, Maryland, where the killing occurred. Authorities believe Patel stabbed his 21-year-old wife multiple times in a back room of the shop shortly before midnight on April 12, 2015, before fleeing.

After leaving the store, Patel allegedly walked across the street to the apartment he shared with his wife, retrieved several items and some cash, and then hailed a taxi. According to investigators, the taxi driver took him to a hotel in New Jersey near Newark Liberty International Airport, where he checked in around 3 a.m. without luggage and checked out around 10 a.m. Officials say he then took a hotel shuttle to Newark Penn Station, which marks the last confirmed sighting of Patel.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department said it remains committed to seeking justice for Palak Patel and her family and continues to work alongside the FBI in the investigation.

Anyone with information about Patel’s whereabouts or details related to the case is urged not to approach him. Authorities ask that tips be reported to the Anne Arundel County Police Homicide Unit at 410-222-4731 or through the department’s anonymous tip line at 410-222-4700. Tips may also be submitted to the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov, where information can be provided anonymously.

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