An Indian-origin man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of his estranged wife in Chicago, United States. The violent incident occurred following the separation of 31-year-old Ankur Patel and his 32-year-old wife.
The couple, who shared a daughter, separated earlier in the year. Although they briefly attempted to reconcile under family pressure, they did not continue living together at their Wisconsin residence, and the woman subsequently began dating a former colleague located in Louisiana. Reports indicated that Patel had previously restricted the mother from communicating with their daughter and issued threats against both his estranged wife and her new partner.
Approximately two weeks prior to the killing, Patel sent the child to his parents in India without informing the mother of her location, before relocating to a relative's home in Chicago. He then contacted his estranged wife and invited her to Chicago under the guise of reuniting her with their child. Trusting this claim, the woman traveled to the city accompanied by her partner.
Upon arriving at the building, the woman's partner waited outside while she proceeded up to Patel's apartment alone. She quickly realized that their daughter was not there. Instead, Patel attempted to pressure her into reviving their relationship. When she refused and stated her intention to maintain her new life and partner, Patel flew into a rage and attacked her in the neck with a knife.
When the victim failed to reply to messages, her partner contacted law enforcement, though police were initially unable to locate her because the precise apartment number was unknown. The crime ultimately came to light when friends of Patel visited his apartment after he missed a scheduled meeting, discovering the woman's body near the washing machine while Patel was absent.
In an attempt to flee the country, Patel traveled to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport to secure a flight to India, but ticket counters were closed. He subsequently stayed at a nearby hotel, discarded the weapon, and purchased new clothing at a Target store. Authorities apprehended him at the airport the following day as he attempted to board a flight to India. During questioning, Patel informed investigators that he had not planned to kill his wife but attacked her after she refused to reconcile.