CHICAGO: Ankur Patel, 31, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the alleged fatal stabbing of his estranged wife in Chicago in August 2026. Prosecutors allege that Patel arranged a meeting by falsely telling the woman she could see their five-year-old daughter, who had already been sent to India.
According to prosecutors, the woman had separated from Patel in May and later entered a relationship with a former colleague. Following a brief reconciliation, she left again, while their daughter remained with Patel. Prosecutors allege that Patel subsequently threatened to kill his estranged wife and her new partner and stopped allowing the woman to speak with their daughter.
Investigators allege that approximately two weeks before the killing, Patel moved in with relatives in Chicago and sent his daughter to live with his parents in India without informing his estranged wife. He allegedly invited the woman to Chicago under the pretext of allowing her to meet the child. The woman and her new partner reportedly travelled from Louisiana to collect the daughter, unaware that she was already in India.
According to the prosecution’s account, surveillance footage showed Patel purchasing a small folding knife before the meeting. Assistant State’s Attorney Mike Pekara reportedly told the court that footage captured an argument between Patel and the woman. Prosecutors allege that Patel later stabbed her in the neck. An autopsy reportedly documented multiple defensive wounds, including a deep cut to her left arm.
The woman’s partner was waiting outside the building and repeatedly attempted to contact her. When she stopped responding, he called 911. Police initially could not establish contact with the woman or Patel. Later that night, Patel’s friends went to the apartment after he failed to meet them as planned and discovered the woman’s body near a washing machine. They then called emergency services.
Following the alleged killing, Patel reportedly went to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport but was initially unable to purchase a ticket to India because the ticket counter was closed. Prosecutors allege that he stayed at a nearby hotel and disposed of the knife. He later purchased clothing and shoes at a Target store before returning to the airport the following day.
Authorities reportedly arrested Patel before he could leave the United States after the Department of Homeland Security was alerted. According to the account of his police interview, Patel said he had not wanted to kill his estranged wife but acknowledged killing her after she said she intended to remain with her new partner.
Patel faces a first-degree murder charge. The allegations described by prosecutors include threats, a meeting allegedly arranged under false pretences, the fatal stabbing and an attempted departure for India. The charges and allegations have not been presented here as a final determination of guilt. Patel is entitled to due process, and the case must be decided through the judicial process.