Tomorrow, April 12, 2025, marks ten years since the tragic murder of Palak Patel, which occurred on April 12, 2015, at the Dunkin Donuts located at 7657 Arundel Mills Boulevard in Hanover, Maryland. The Anne Arundel County Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) continue their unwavering commitment to seeking justice for Palak and her family.
On the night of Sunday, April 12, 2015, Palak, a 21-year-old hardworking, aspiring teacher who looked forward to having children in the future, and her husband, Bhadreshkumar Patel, were working at the Dunkin Donuts. During her shift, Palak spoke with family and made plans to return home to India as she longed to reunite with her family there. This conversation led to Bhadreshkumar becoming enraged, resulting in a fatal attack on his wife.
Following the heinous crime, Bhadreshkumar Patel attempted to evade law enforcement by returning to their residence, collecting personal belongings, and fleeing the area via taxi to Newark, New Jersey. His last known sighting was the following morning at Newark-Penn Station before vanishing.
For the past decade, the Anne Arundel County Police Department and the FBI have worked closely on this investigation, analyzing evidence and utilizing all available investigative techniques and resources to locate Bhadreshkumar Patel. In 2017, Bhadreshkumar Patel was placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List with an initial reward of $100,000. That reward is now up to $250,000. Hundreds of tips have been received from the community through the years, all of which have been investigated. While no tips have led law enforcement to the suspect yet, we thank the community for the information they have provided thus far, and we encourage community members to continue providing information.
While investigative efforts have provided valuable insights into the events surrounding Palak Patel’s death, questions remain unanswered. The focus of law enforcement extends beyond simply locating Bhadreshkumar Patel, but fully understanding the circumstances that led to this devastating tragedy.
“Palak Patel was described as the most caring and kind person by those who knew and loved her. She was brutally murdered at the hands of her husband, however, the passage of time does not diminish our resolve to bring justice for Palak and her family,” said Anne Arundel County Chief of Police Amal E. Awad. “We are grateful for our partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in this investigation, and we urge anyone with information to come forward.”
“We have never let up, nor given up hope that we will find Bhadreshkumar Patel so that justice will prevail. The FBI pledges to keep doing all we can to find and arrest him,” says FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno. “We continue down this road for Palak and for those who loved her and encourage anyone who may know something to contact law enforcement.”
The Anne Arundel County Police Department encourages anyone who may have information regarding the whereabouts of Bhadreshkumar Patel or any details related to this case to contact the Homicide Unit at 410-222-4731. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous can also contact the Tip Line at 410-222-4700. Additionally, tips can be provided to the FBI at 1-800-Call-FBI or via email at Tips.fbi.gov.
We remain hopeful that with the continued vigilance of our detectives and the cooperation of the public, we can bring closure to this case and deliver justice for Palak Patel.
