Justice For Murdered Palak Patel: FBI Hunts Husband 10 Years On
Photos: FBI
India-West News Desk
ANNAPOLIS, MD – On April 12, 2015, 21-year-old Palak Patel was brutally stabbed to death by her husband, Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel, at a Maryland donut shop where they both worked. Nearly a decade later, Bhadreshkumar remains on the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” list, with a reward of up to $250,000 offered for information leading to his capture. The renewed public appeal comes just before what would have been Palak’s 32nd birthday on May 31, 2025.
Alerted by a customer who found the shop unattended, local authorities discovered Palak, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Video surveillance footage captured Palak willingly following Bhadreshkumar into a storage area just before midnight—the last time she was seen alive. Special Agent Jonathan Shaffer from the FBI Baltimore field office described the footage as “chilling,” noting that unlike many perpetrators, Bhadreshkumar “immediately formulated a plan to evade law enforcement” rather than showing remorse.
Immediately after the attack, Bhadreshkumar fled through a rear door, then returned to his apartment to change clothes and collect personal belongings. He quickly left the area, taking a cab to Newark, New Jersey. His last known sighting before vanishing was the following morning at Newark-Penn Station. Recognizing him as an international flight risk, local police sought FBI assistance, leading to federal charges for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
Palak Arvindbhai Patel was born in Ahmedabad in 1993. She was described as a caring, kind, and responsible young woman who aspired to be a teacher. On November 25, 2013, she had an arranged marriage with Bhadreshkumar Patel, who has three years older than her. The couple arrived in the U.S. in September 2014, working long shifts at a relative’s donut shop. During a visit in March 2015, Palak’s parents observed that she was never allowed to be alone with them, with Bhadreshkumar consistently present. Just before her death, Palak was reportedly homesick and eager to return to India.
The motive for the unprovoked attack remains unclear, though Palak’s desire to return to India and Bhadreshkumar’s unwillingness to let her go is considered. Shaffer remarked, “She obviously had no awareness that she was about to be murdered… There was no struggle in the seconds just prior to her murder.”
Palak’s mother continues to hold onto hope for justice. “I want justice for my daughter,” she pleaded. “This was a clear betrayal on her husband’s part for no reason. Our family will never be the same. We love and miss Palak very much. I am confident that one day Bhadreshkumar will be caught because everyone in this case is working hard for justice.”
Despite a decade having passed, the FBI remains steadfast in its pursuit. “Though ten years have passed since Palak’s murder, we continue to actively search for Bhadreshkumar and follow every lead that comes into our offices, both domestically and internationally,” said Shaffer. “We will not rest until justice is served.”
Bhadreshkumar, now 35, is described as 5’9″ tall, weighing approximately 165 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He may also go by the name Bhadresh.
The FBI urges anyone with information to contact their local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). Tips can also be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov. Surveillance footage and more details are available at fbi.gov/topten.
