Who Is Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel? FBI’s most wanted fugitive in the 2015 Maryland murder case; everything you need to know about him and the reward

The FBI is seeking the public’s help in locating Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel, 26, an Indian national and employee-turned-fugitive wanted for the 2015 murder of his wife in Hanover, Maryland. Patel was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, with a reward of up to $1,000,000 for information leading to his arrest.

Following the murder, local authorities issued an arrest warrant in Anne Arundel County. A federal warrant was issued for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

Patel is wanted on charges of first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, use of a dangerous weapon with intent to injure, and fleeing to avoid prosecution.


The FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, established in 1950, enlists the public’s help to track dangerous criminals, and citizen tips have led to many captures.

Who is Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel?

Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel, born May 15, 1990, in Gujarat, India, was working at a Dunkin’ Donuts in Maryland when he allegedly murdered his 21-year-old wife, Palak Patel, on April 12, 2015.

He reportedly struck her multiple times in a back room before fleeing with personal belongings and cash. His last confirmed sightings were in New Jersey, near Newark Liberty International Airport and Newark Penn Station.

According to the FBI website, Patel is 5'9", weighs around 165 pounds, and has brown hair and eyes. Authorities say he is armed and extremely dangerous and may have ties in Canada, India, or US states, including New Jersey, Georgia, Illinois, and Kentucky.

“We hope this $1 million reward attracts greater attention to our tireless search for Bhadreshkumar Patel and leads to tips we need to provide justice for Palak Patel,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent.

Anyone with information on Patel’s location should contact the FBI through its tip line or official website. Authorities warn the public not to approach him.