Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel on the run.
By Raif Karerat
WASHINGTON, DC: Police are conducting a manhunt after a 21-year-old Indian American woman was killed by her husband at a Dunkin’ Donuts in Hannover, Maryland, the night of April 12.
Local NBC affiliate WBAL reported police were called to the store shortly before 11 p.m. after patrons found it odd that no one was minding the front of the business.
When officers responded, they found employee Palak Bhadreskumar Patel prone and injured in the establishment’s kitchen. She was alive when authorities reached her, but was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators believe the 24-year-old Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel — the victim’s husband and co-worker — bludgeoned her multiple times with an object before fleeing the area.
Patel will face a “laundry list” of charges when caught, including first and second degree murder, first and second degree assault, and a weapons charge, according to WBAL.
Police are interviewing several witnesses and believe the homicide is domestic-related. Within the past year, there was one prior domestic complaint involving the couple, according to Hanover police.
Dunkin Donuts released a statement, saying: “We are aware of the tragic incident that occurred at the Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin-Robbins combination restaurant on Arundel Mills Boulevard in Hanover, Maryland. All of us at Dunkin’ Brands are saddened to learn of the death of crew member Palak Bhadreskumar Patel, and our thoughts go out to her family and friends. The franchise owner is cooperating fully with the local authorities in their investigation. As this is a pending police matter, it is inappropriate for us to comment further.”
Anyone with information about the case should call Anne Arundel County police homicide Detective Kelly Harding at 410-222-4743, or call the tip line at 410-222-4700.