The FBI is now offering up to $1 million for information that leads to the arrest of a man accused of killing his wife at a Dunkin' Donuts in Maryland in 2015.
Federal officials say the new reward amount applies to Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel, who has been on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list for several years.
The payout was previously set at $250,000 but has been raised to match the typical reward level for fugitives on that list. Investigators hope the larger sum will bring in fresh tips from the public, according to CBS News.
The homicide happened late on Apr. 12, 2015, at a Dunkin' Donuts on Arundel Mills Boulevard in Hanover, in Anne Arundel County. Patel and his 21‑year‑old wife, Palak Patel, were working the night shift when they went into a back area of the store. According to authorities, an argument began there and quickly escalated.
Police say Palak was stabbed several times and died inside the shop while customers were still present in the front section. Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators shows Patel walking out of the restaurant alone after the attack. Detectives later learned he left the store, went to the couple's nearby apartment, and gathered some belongings and cash, WTOP reported.
From there, Patel took a taxi to a hotel near Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, where he checked in with only minimal luggage, investigators say.
The next morning, cameras recorded him at Newark Penn Station; that remains the last confirmed sighting of him. Authorities believe he could be in the United States or overseas and have noted his possible links to India and other locations.
Officials warn that Patel should be considered dangerous and advise the public not to confront him. Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI at 1‑800‑CALL‑FBI or send a tip at tips.fbi.gov; callers may remain anonymous, as per India Today.
