A 28-year-old man of Indian origin has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the US state of Illinois after his father was found brutally killed at their family home during the Thanksgiving weekend.
A Gruesome Discovery on Thanksgiving Weekend
The tragic incident unfolded on November 29. Police responded to a residence in Illinois after receiving a concerning call. Upon arrival, they found 67-year-old Anupam Patel unresponsive in his bedroom, suffering from severe head injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators discovered a sledgehammer near the victim's bed, which is believed to be the murder weapon.
History of Mental Health Issues and Prior Threats
The accused, Abhijit Patel, surrendered to the police. During court proceedings, it was revealed that he has a long and documented history of mental health problems. Abhijit was previously diagnosed with schizophrenia and had been hospitalized for treatment. Due to his unstable condition and past behavior, he was legally barred from contacting his father as he had made threats to kill him earlier.
Despite the restraining order, the fatal attack occurred. After his arrest, Abhijit reportedly told police that he felt a religious duty to murder his father, claiming he had been abused by him as a child.
Wife's App Alert Led to the Grisly Scene
The events leading to the discovery of the crime involved modern technology. Abhijit Patel is diabetic, and his wife routinely monitored his glucose levels through a connected app. While she was at work, she panicked upon seeing his glucose levels dropping dangerously on the app. Unable to reach him by phone, she rushed home.
At the residence, she encountered her son, who told her to check on his grandfather. It was then that she made the horrific discovery. When she asked Abhijit about his father, he chillingly replied, "I have taken care of him."
A Pattern of Disturbing Behavior
Court documents and reports paint a picture of escalating concerning behavior from Abhijit Patel. His mental health struggles had significant repercussions on his academic life. He was banned from the University of Illinois Chicago campus after allegedly making disturbing comments on social media and in group chats with fellow students in November 2024. The ban was to remain in effect until he underwent a psychiatric evaluation.
Abhijit Patel now remains in custody, charged with first-degree murder. The case highlights the severe consequences of untreated mental illness and the tragic breakdown of a family, culminating in violence over a holiday weekend.
