28-Year-Old Abhijit Patel Claims Religious Obligation for Murder Following Alleged Childhood Abuse
A 28-year-old man of Indian origin has been charged with first-degree murder in Schaumburg, Illinois, after allegedly killing his 67-year-old father with a sledgehammer on November 29, 2024. Abhijit Patel is accused of bludgeoning his father, Anupam Patel, to death in their home, despite having an active protection order against him from his family.
The Tragic Incident
According to Cook County prosecutors, Anupam Patel’s wife discovered her husband’s body after returning home from work on the morning of November 29. She had left for work around 5:42 a.m., leaving Anupam and Abhijit alone at home. Anupam, who had been unemployed due to diabetes, usually called his wife around 8 a.m. to update her on his blood sugar levels. However, on this particular day, he failed to make the call.
When his wife noticed his blood sugar levels dropping through an app linked to his glucose monitor, she grew concerned but could not reach either her husband or son by phone. Alarmed, she returned home by 10:30 a.m., only to find Anupam Patel lying in bed, covered in blood. She noticed the garage door was unusually open, and Abhijit reportedly told her he had “taken care of Dad” and urged her to check on him.
Upon arriving at the scene, emergency responders found Anupam Patel unresponsive, having suffered severe head injuries. An autopsy later revealed that the elderly man had been struck at least twice in the head, causing skull fractures and a broken nose.
Abhijit Patel’s Confession
Abhijit Patel surrendered to the police when they arrived at the home. During questioning, he claimed that he had a “religious obligation” to kill his father, citing alleged childhood molestation as the reason for his actions. Patel’s statements were reportedly viewed as delusional by his medical professionals, who confirmed that he had been under psychiatric care for mental health issues.
Background of Family Conflict and Protection Order
The Patel family had been dealing with ongoing tensions. Despite an active protection order against Abhijit from his family, he was still living at home at the time of the incident. The nature of the abuse claims and the dynamics between father and son remain unclear, but the violent murder has left the family and the community in shock.
Legal and Medical Perspective
Abhijit Patel has been charged with first-degree murder and is facing serious legal consequences. His medical history, including a history of mental health treatment, may play a role in his defense. Experts believe that his claims of religious obligation and childhood abuse may be part of his delusional thinking, as suggested by his doctors.
This case highlights the tragic intersection of mental health issues, family violence, and legal responsibility. The Patel family’s suffering, compounded by Abhijit’s mental health struggles, has created a devastating scenario for all involved.