Suspect On The Run After Northbrook Lawyer's Murder: WATCH VIDEO

NORTHBROOK, IL — Northbrook authorities on Monday identified a suspect in the strangulation murder of attorney Jigar K. Patel. At a press conference, Northbrook Police Chief Charles Wernick said police want the public's help finding an Aurora man who has been charged with Patel's murder.

WATCH LIVE COVERAGE OF POLICE PRESS CONFERENCE:

At a press conference, Northbrook Police Chief Charles Wernick said a warrant was issued five weeks ago and investigators believe Panaligan has fled the area. He said authorities intentionally waited to release any information about the wanted man to the public while they continued to investigate.

The Northbrook chief said the motive may be connected to a lawsuit between Patel and a home health care company called Vital Wellness Home Health. Patel represented parties that were suing Panaligan's family business for shady business dealings, according to Warnick and court documents.

Police asked for the help of the public in locating Panaligan, a native of the Philippines described as 5 feet 5 inches tall and 140 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

They said Patel's murder was an isolated incident and not a greater threat to the community.

Read more:

Police Release Photos of Suspect in Murder of Northbrook Lawyer - Jan. 4
Lawyer Killed in Northbrook Office Strangled in Targeted Attack, Police Say - Dec. 12
Death of Attorney in Northbrook Office Ruled Homicide - Dec. 9

Around 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 7, Northbrook police found Patel, a 36-year-old who lived in Prospect Heights with his wife and two daughters, dead in his law offices on the third floor of 1363 Shermer Road. His family had reportedly become worried after he did not return home after an afternoon meeting with a new client. It was Northbrook's first murder in five years.

Police released the pictures (above) in January of a man apparently wearing a surgical mask and avoiding eye contact with the building's security cameras. He appeared to have detailed knowledge of their location, a witness told Pioneer Press.

Wernick said investigators believe his cane and outfit were just part of a disguise. He said Northbrook police are working closely with federal law enforcement agencies to locate Panaligan.

There is a $3,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Northbrook Investigations Unit at 847-664- 4181 or the U.S. Marshals Service at 888-869-4590.

Top photo: Suspect John G. Panaligan/Courtesy of the Northbrook Police Department

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