A 28-year-old man of Indian origin has been charged with first-degree murder in a shocking incident in the United States. Abhijit Patel allegedly used a sledgehammer to kill his 67-year-old father, Anupam Patel, at their family home in Schaumburg, Illinois, over the Thanksgiving weekend.
A Grisly Discovery on Thanksgiving Weekend
The tragic event unfolded on 29 November. The victim's wife grew concerned when her husband, who was unemployed and managing diabetes, failed to make his routine 8 AM call about his blood sugar levels. She noticed his glucose levels were dropping via a connected device. After being unable to reach him or their son by phone, she returned home around 10:30 AM.
Upon arrival, she found the garage door unusually open. Her son, Abhijit Patel, reportedly told her he had "taken care of Dad" and advised her to check on him. She entered the home and discovered her husband, Anupam Patel, unresponsive and covered in blood in his bedroom shortly before 11 AM. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene. Authorities found a sledgehammer nearby, which is believed to be the murder weapon.
Confession, Motive, and a History of Mental Illness
Abhijit Patel surrendered immediately to police. During questioning, he confessed to bringing the sledgehammer to his father's room while the older man was awake and striking him multiple times. He claimed his motive was a "religious obligation" to kill his father for alleged molestation he suffered as a child.
However, prosecutors revealed that Patel has a diagnosed history of schizophrenia and has been hospitalised for treatment in the past. They stated that Patel's own doctors believe his claims against his father are "delusional." Adding to the tragedy, the attack occurred despite an active order of protection against Abhijit Patel, prohibiting contact with his father. This order, set to expire in 2027, was issued due to prior threats, though his parents had still allowed him to live at home.
Legal Proceedings and Aftermath
An autopsy confirmed the victim died from at least two blunt force blows to the head, resulting in a fractured skull and broken nose. Abhijit Patel is currently being held without bail and has been prohibited from contacting his mother. His next court hearing in the case is scheduled for 19 December.
This horrific incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and the Indian diaspora. It highlights a devastating combination of family conflict, mental health challenges, and fatal violence, culminating in the death of a father at the hands of his son in what should have been the safety of their family home.
