Northbrook Murder Suspect Apprehended In Mexico: U.S. Marshals

NORTHBROOK, IL — A man accused of murdering a Northbrook attorney in 2016 has been apprehended. John Panaligan, 57, was arrested Monday in Tepic, Mexico, according to the United States Marshals Service.

Panaligan, who had been on the agency's 15 Most Wanted fugitive list, was turned over to Mexican immigration authorities, who deported him to the United States on Tuesday. The Northbrook Police Department is holding a press conference regarding the arrest Wednesday afternoon.

"The United States Marshals' Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force worked tirelessly in collaboration with the Northbrook Police and other agencies to apprehend the fugitive," Northbrook Interim Police Chief John Ustich said in a statement. "The relentless efforts by law enforcement for the past eight years are a clear reminder that you cannot hide from justice."

Panaligan is accused of murdering attorney Victor Jagar Patel in his Northbrook office eight years ago. Patel had been found strangled to death on Dec. 7, 2016. Patel, 36, was representing plaintiffs suing Panaligan in civil court.

Panaligan is scheduled to appear at the 2nd District Skokie Court House for a detention hearing Wednesday afternoon.

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According to the U.S. Marshals, Panaligan allegedly lured Patel to his law office by scheduling an appointment using an alias. Panaligan reportedly showed up wearing a disguise, which was captured on security cameras, and then killed the victim in his office.

Two days later, on Dec. 9, 2016, Panaligan was detained at the Canadian border for allegedly smuggling a gun into Canada, but was allowed to return to the U.S.

Northbrook police interviewed Panaligan regarding Patel's death, and executed multiple search warrants of his belongings and property. Authorities said evidence collected pointed to Panaligan being the prime suspect in Patel's murder.

It is believed Panaligan then fled to Mexico prior to his arrest, and a warrant for first-degree murder was issued on Feb. 8, 2017. Due to his international ties, and dual citizenship between the U.S. and the Republic of the Philippines, authorities believed he could have traveled anywhere with assistance from acquaintances to elude capture.

With the help of the Northbrook Police Department, Panaligan was added to the United States Marshals Service's 15 Most Wanted fugitive list in November 2020. The case was featured on the television series, "In Pursuit With John Walsh," in 2021.

"The Northbrook Police Department remains committed to providing closure for the family of the victim, Jigar Patel," Ustich said.

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