Ankur Patel faces allegations in a fatal domestic violence case in the United States, with investigators examining his movements following the killing
A 31-year-old Indian-origin man has been arrested in the United States and charged with first-degree murder after allegedly stabbing his estranged wife to death in August, following a dispute over her new relationship, according to media reports.
Ankur Patel is accused of killing his 32-year-old wife in Chicago, Illinois, nearly three months after the couple separated and she moved out of their home in Wisconsin. They have a young daughter together.
According to reports, the woman later moved to Louisiana and began dating a former colleague. Investigators said Patel allegedly threatened both her and her new partner, while disputes over access to their daughter added to tensions between the estranged couple.
About two weeks before the killing, Patel reportedly moved in with relatives in Chicago and sent his daughter to live with his parents in India without informing his wife
He subsequently invited her to Chicago to meet the child. The woman travelled there with her new partner, who waited outside while she went to Patel’s apartment. She reportedly discovered that her daughter was not there and rejected Patel’s request to reconcile, saying she intended to remain with her new partner.
Patel allegedly stabbed her in the neck. Her partner became concerned when she did not return and contacted the police. The woman’s body was later discovered by Patel’s friends, who went to his apartment after he failed to meet them as planned. An autopsy reportedly found multiple defensive wounds.
After the killing, Patel allegedly went to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in an attempt to travel to India. He reportedly could not buy a ticket because the counter was closed. He later purchased a flight ticket but was arrested by police before boarding the plane.
During questioning, Patel reportedly said he had not initially intended to kill his wife but acted after she told him she wanted to stay with her new partner.
He remains accused of first-degree murder. The case highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence and escalating conflict following the breakdown of a relationship.
