Congressman Krishnamoorthi Responds To Arrest Of Fugitive John Panaligan In Mexico For The Murder Of Chicago-Area Attorney Victor Jigar Patel

SCHAUMBURG, IL – Earlier this week, the U.S. Marshals Service announced the arrest of John Panaligan, who was wanted for allegedly murdering attorney Victor Jigar Patel, in Patel’s Northbrook, Illinois, office on December 7, 2016. At the time of his death, Patel, 36, was representing plaintiffs suing Panaligan in civil court. Panaligan’s arrest in Tepic, Mexico, and extradition ends a more than seven-year manhunt that led to Panaligan’s placement on the U.S. Marshals Most Wanted Fugitives list in 2020.

“Nearly seven years ago, Mrs. Patel contacted my office for help in pursuing justice for her husband. Since then, I have continually advocated for her family in that effort,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “I want to express my appreciation for the Northbrook Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the other agencies involved for securing the arrest of the fugitive John Panaligan for the first-degree murder of Jigar Patel. It is my sincere hope that this arrest and the upcoming trial will help bring them the closure they deserve.”

Panaligan allegedly lured Patel to his law office by scheduling an appointment using an alias. Authorities believe Panaligan showed up wearing a disguise, which was captured on nearby security cameras, and then killed the victim in his office. Two days later, Panaligan was detained at the Canadian border for allegedly smuggling a firearm into Canada but was eventually allowed to return to the U.S., where he was interviewed by Northbrook Police in relation to Patel’s death. During the investigation, authorities executed multiple search warrants of Panaligan's belongings and property. Evidence collected gave authorities reason to believe Panaligan was the prime suspect in Patel’s murder.