$20K Reward Offered for Suspect in Dunkin' Donuts Slaying of Wife

>>News Alerts: Subscribe to a free email newsletter: ANNAPOLIS •EDGEWATER • ODENTON

The Baltimore FBI is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to the arrest of a Hanover man sought by police for killing his wife in the Arundel Mills Dunkin’ Donuts where they both worked.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland has issued a federal warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution for Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel in the murder of his wife, Palak Bhadreskumar Patel.

Authorities said at a Wednesday press conference they believe Patel killed Palak in a back room just before midnight on April 12. Patel was born in India and was in the United States legally, but his VISA expired in March 2015.

If you have any information about Patel or his whereabouts, you are asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Timeline of Events

Customers at the restaurant called police April 12 to report there were no employees inside the business at 7657 Arundel Mills Boulevard in Hanover. When an officer checked the restaurant he found a woman laying in the kitchen area with severe injuries; she was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.

The dead woman was identified as Palak Bhadreskumar Patel, 21, of the 1600 block of Cheston Lane in Hanover.

The victim’s husband, Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel, 24, who is also an employee of that Dunkin’ Donuts location, was named a suspect in his wife’s death. Investigators say Patel killed his wife by stabbing her multiple times with an object, then fled the business.

SEE ALSO: Hunt Continues for Man Suspected of Killing Wife at Dunkin’ Donuts

An arrest warrant issued for Patel charges him with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and dangerous weapon with intent to injure.

Bhadreshkumar Patel took his passport, issued in India, from his home on April 13, WUSA TV reports.

A taxi driver told police she picked up Patel near the Dunkin Donuts and drove him to a hotel near the Newark International Airport, according to police.

Police say Patel is considered dangerous and they urge anyone with information to call homicide Detective Kelly Harding at 410-222-4743. Callers may remain anonymous by contacting the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line at 410-222-4700 or Metro Crime Stoppers.

»Photos of Palak Patel, left, and Bhadreshkumar Patel, courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police