Indian-origin man in US arrested for allegedly murdering estranged wife

New Delhi: A 31-year-old Indian-origin man, Ankur Patel, has been taken into custody in Chicago, United States, for allegedly stabbing his estranged wife to death after she turned down his request to reconcile and stated her intention to stay with her new partner.

The crime took place in August 2026, nearly three months after the 32-year-old victim had separated from Patel and moved out of their shared home in Wisconsin in May. Although she briefly returned following familial intervention, the cohabitation was short-lived. She subsequently relocated to Louisiana and allegedly began dating a former colleague, leaving the couple’s young daughter in Patel's care.

According to investigators, friction between the estranged couple escalated over time. Patel reportedly barred his wife from communicating with their daughter and threatened harm against both her and her new partner.

Roughly two weeks prior to the incident, Patel relocated to his relatives' home in Chicago. Without informing his wife, he sent their daughter to India to stay with his parents. Shortly thereafter, he reached out to his estranged wife, inviting her to Chicago under the premise of seeing her child.

Unaware that her child was no longer in the United States, the woman traveled to Chicago accompanied by her new partner. Upon reaching Patel’s residence, her partner waited outside while she went upstairs alone. Inside the apartment, she discovered her daughter was absent. Patel then pressed her to mend their marriage, and when she declined and reaffirmed her commitment to her current partner, an enraged Patel allegedly attacked her, stabbing her in the neck.

Concerned by her prolonged absence, the victim's partner sent multiple messages before contacting emergency services. Responding police officers inspected the residential premises, but because the partner was unable to identify the specific apartment number, officers left without locating her.

The murder came to light later that evening when Patel failed to show up for a planned gathering with friends. When his acquaintances went to the residence to check on him, they discovered the victim's body near a washing machine. Subsequent autopsy reports indicated multiple defensive injuries on the victim.

Following the fatal attack, Patel rushed to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport in an effort to board a flight to India. However, he was unable to secure a ticket as the service counter was closed. He then checked into a nearby hotel, discarded the murder weapon, and purchased fresh clothing from a local Target store.

Patel returned to the airport the following day after booking a ticket, but law enforcement officers arrested him before he could board the flight. During interrogation, Patel claimed he had not intended to murder his wife, but confessed that he “finished her” after she formally rejected his proposal to reunite.

Patel has been charged with first-degree murder and remains in custody in the US.